Candied everything

To candy (noun): To make an item of food delicious and superior to its un-candied counterparts.

I have no clue why I've waited so long to candy food. Maybe it was an innate fear of working with anything requiring candy thermometers (not needed for this recipe), or many it was just ignorance. Either way, my eyes have been opened... and the future is full of candied goods. And perhaps also more trips to the dentist.

These little gems are delightfully easy to prepare (M can attest to this; I made 3 batches in 3 days) and sinfully easy to devour. After making the recipe as indicated the first time around, I experimented with sea salt and hot pepper flakes to add a bit more depth to the flavors but really, these treats can stand proudly on their own. Crunchy, buttery, sweet...the perfect accompaniment to everything at all times of day.

Brown sugar candied walnuts

From here

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups raw walnut halves

1/2 cup brown sugar, loose

Optional: Coarse sea salt, hot pepper flakes, cinnamon, or other garnish.

Prep time: 1 min

Cook time: 5 min

Cooling time: 5-10 min

1. Line 1 large baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In a large saucepan, mix walnuts and brown sugar with a wooden spoon and set on medium to medium-high heat.

3. As sugar melts, mix constantly to ensure equal distribution of brown sugar syrup. Do not allow melting sugar to stay in one place long enough to burn! This should take no more than 5 minutes.

4. When nuts are well coated, remove pan from heat. Working quickly, spread the nuts on lined baking tray and sprinkle with garnish, if using. Sugar is hot, so take care not to burn yourself.

5. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes and enjoy; if there is any left, store in an airtight container at room temperature.