How to Carmelize Walnuts

Caramelized walnuts are simple to make and add flavor to pasta dishes, chicken and salads.

Caramelized walnuts make a sweet yet healthy snack that can be enjoyed alone or on top of yogurt, salads or pies. Making caramelized walnuts at home is only a few simple steps but can be altered to achieve different flavors for the nuts to compliment different types of meals.

Things You'll Need

• 2/3 cup sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 cup walnuts, halved
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ginger
• 1 tsp. wasabi powder
• Baking sheet
• Waxed paper
• Non-stick rubber spatula

Instructions

Basic Caramelized Walnuts

1. Heat 2/3 cup of sugar and ¼ cup of water in a large saucepan over medium-low heat.

2. Bring sugar mixture to a boil. Stir frequently to prevent burning with a nonstick rubber spatula. When mixture is ready, it will appear a golden-brown color.

3. Stir in 1 cup walnuts, halved, and fold until all nuts are covered.

4. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Pour covered nuts onto the waxed paper. Break up clusters and press flat with a spatula.

5. Allow to cool completely before enjoying. Store nuts in a cool, dry place until ready to be eaten. Use storage containers or sturdy sealable bags to prevent insects from being attracted to the sugar.

Sweet N' Spicy Caramelized Walnuts

1. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 of Section 1.

2. Add 1 tsp. each of vanilla, cinnamon and salt to heated sugar mixture. Stir over very low heat until well blended.

3. Fold in 1 cup walnuts, halved.

4. Pour nuts onto a greased baking sheet or baking sheet lined with waxed paper.

5. Allow to cool completely before enjoying.

Hot N' Spicy Caramelized Walnuts

1. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 of Section 1.

2. Add 1 tsp. each of wasabi powder and ginger to the sugar mixture.

3. Fold in 1 cup walnuts, halved, into mixture. Mix until nuts are fully covered.

4. Pour nuts onto a greased baking sheet or baking sheet with waxed paper on top.

5. Allow to cool completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Add 1 tsp. of your favorite spices and seasonings for different flavor effects on the caramelized walnuts.

• Caramelized walnuts can be a healthy and energy boosting treat for children and adults.

• Agave nectar can be used as a substitute for sugar in a low-sugar diet.

• Keep heat low at all times to avoid sugar burning.

• Use a nonstick saucepan when making caramelized walnuts to avoid burning the sugar and ruining a pot.

• Stir mixture continuously to avoid burning and increase the dissolving rate of the sugar.

References

• Emeril's: Caramelized Walnuts
• AZ Central: Caramelized Walnuts
• Epicurious: Caramelized Walnuts