Spiced Candied Walnuts

Recipe courtesy Michael Chiarello

Show: Easy Entertaining with Michael ChiarelloEpisode: Food Gifts Party

Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (33)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(33)

Cook Time:
6 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
4 cups

Times:

Prep: 15 min
Inactive Prep: 1 hr 0 min
Cook: 6 min
Total:: 1 hr 21 min

Recipe Tools:

Select a Card Size

Add To My Recipe Box

Success

This recipe was added to your Folder_Name folder.

Do not show this message again

Add To My Recipe Box

Please sign in to add this recipe to your Recipe Box.

Ingredients

Peanut or canola oil
4 cups walnut halves
1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch salt, or more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat about 1-inch of oil to 350 degrees F.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add walnuts and blanch for 30 seconds. Drain and transfer nuts to a medium bowl. While nuts are still hot and slightly wet, add confectioners' sugar and toss to coat nuts. Stir and toss until all the sugar has melted into the nuts; if bits of un-melted sugar remain on the nuts, they will not fry properly.

Stir the nuts again before frying. Using a large slotted spoon, transfer a few nuts to the hot oil, allowing the foam to subside before adding another spoonful. (Otherwise, the oil could foam over and burn you.) Fry in small batches until the nuts are medium brown, about 45 seconds; be careful not to overcook. Scatter on an unlined baking sheet to cool slightly.

In a small bowl, stir together cayenne, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and pepper.

While the nuts are still warm, transfer them to a bowl and sprinkle evenly with about half of the spice mix. Toss well to distribute the spices and then taste a nut. Add more spice mix, to taste, and toss well after each addition. When cool, pack in an airtight jar. They will keep at room temperature for at least 2 weeks.

Next Recipe

More recipes? Try these recommendations:

Similar Recipe

Spiced Candied Almonds

Picture of Spiced Candied Walnuts Recipe

Photo: Spiced Candied Walnuts

Similar Recipes

Recipes Like This

All About…

Recipe Collections

Showing 1-10 of 17

View all 17 Appetizer Collections

Comments & Reviews

recipe Spiced Candied Walnuts
donna la, CA 12-13-2009
Flag

Not going to be as sweet as you may think...
Rated: 3 stars out of 5

I've never made candied nuts before...I think this particular recipe should be done assembly line style and you really should... have an extra hand (which can be more festive too) I too, was expecting those yummy crunchy sweet candy-coated ish that we all love to get at the farmer's markets and such.. These are not them. They are in the same family..These really do pick up the spice from both the pepper and the cayenne..so if you are lucky and the spices are evenly distributed..you'll get the salty sweet spice..thing. I made both walnuts and pecans mixed. My advice, follow this recipe to a tee. But do a sample batch first. (using just a few nuts to get an idea of how they will taste etc and then add more or less to your taste. I opted to add double the confectioner's sugar and I made sure that it was all melted and not lumpy (so make sure you sift it first just like the recipes says). I also used sea salt as I like the pop that it gives. Again, to your taste..I personally doubt I'd ever make these particular ones again. But if I do, I will use them for salads etc. not just by themselves as a snack they just do not have that "stand alone" quality that everyone is talking about here. I think they have to paired with cheese or salads etc. Also, important to note. Equipment you will need! You will need that slotted metal spoon (one that can withstand the extreme heat of frying oil) all mine are plastic..so luckily my fryer has a basket and I used this..and the minute you think they are done, you can easily scoop them out so not to burn! Read more
recipe Spiced Candied Walnuts
Sarah Quincy, MA 12-22-2007
Flag

Delish and simple
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I was really surprised to read a few of the reviews below--the flavor combination is great on these, and I've yet to meet... someone who hasn't loved them. I made them for a family swap last Christmas and people were fighting over them. If you like nuts with a kick and candle handle easy deep frying, make these, they're killer.Read more
recipe Spiced Candied Walnuts
deidre Greenwich, CT 03-19-2007
Flag

easy gift idea
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I make these in very large batches and when cooled I put them in cello bags and give them as gifts with Christmas cookies. I... also keep them on hand for munchies - some much spicier then others - everyone LOVES them!Read more
recipe Spiced Candied Walnuts
Karen Kalispell, MT 03-17-2007
Flag

Addictive
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

The hardest thing about this recipe is NOT to make it - quick, easy and absolutely delicious. Always a big hit.
recipe Spiced Candied Walnuts
Pat Baker City, OR 03-10-2007
Flag

too much work & not that good
Rated: 1 stars out of 5

I made 5 different kinds of spice nuts for the holidays and this was the LEAST favorite for all my guests. The oven toasted... or baked ones are just so much easier. This was so much work, MESSY, and high fat. I definately won't bother with this recipe again.Read more
recipe Spiced Candied Walnuts
Scott Raleigh, NC 12-21-2006
Flag

Easy recipe
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

I substituted pecans and it worked well.