Oranged Walnuts
Sweet, crunchy candied walnuts infused with orange zest and a hint of salt, perfect as a snack or garnish for desserts and cheese platters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, orange peel, and water in a saucepan.
- Cook the mixture to soft ball stage (about 235-240°F or 112-115°C).
- Remove from heat; add walnuts, orange peel, and salt.
- Cook and stir until mixture becomes cloudy.
- Quickly spoon the walnuts onto waxed paper and separate clumps with two forks.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or a dash of cinnamon to the syrup. If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. For a unique twist, substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds. Make sure to keep an eye on the temperature to avoid burning the sugar mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve oranged walnuts as a delightful snack or dessert topping. They pair beautifully with a warm slice of coffee cake or can be sprinkled over a fresh salad like Crispy Cucumber Salad for added crunch. For a refreshing drink, enjoy them alongside a Tea And Fruit Cooler to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover oranged walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can make them sticky. If they lose their crunch, you can briefly re-toast them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oranged Walnuts contains roughly 758 calories, with 17g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1762mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds. Just keep in mind that different nuts may have varying cooking times, so adjust accordingly to achieve the desired crunch.
What can I do if the sugar mixture crystallizes?
If your sugar mixture crystallizes, try adding a small amount of water and gently reheating it to dissolve the sugar again. Stir continuously until the mixture returns to a syrupy consistency before adding the nuts.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly since it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the sugar you use is vegan, as some sugars are processed with bone char. Look for organic or raw sugar varieties for a vegan option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).