Sugar And Spice Walnuts
Sweet and spicy candied walnuts with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, perfect for snacking or garnishing desserts, appealing to those who enjoy crunchy, flavorful treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour oil to a depth of one inch in an electric skillet and heat to 350°F.
- Bring water to boil in a large saucepan.
- Add walnuts to boiling water and cook for one minute.
- Drain walnuts well.
- In a large bowl, toss walnuts with sugar.
- Place half the walnuts in hot oil and deep fry for five minutes until golden.
- Remove walnuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Repeat with remaining walnuts.
- Return all fried walnuts to the large bowl and toss with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying walnuts. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Toasting the walnuts briefly before frying can enhance their nutty taste. For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar and spice walnuts make a delightful snack on their own or can be served as a topping for salads like Overnight Cabbage Salad. They also pair beautifully with cheese platters or as a garnish for desserts. Consider serving alongside your favorite dishes, such as Venison Delight, for a sweet and savory contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sugar and spice walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their crunch, avoid refrigerating them. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes if you prefer them warm and crispy again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar And Spice Walnuts contains roughly 922 calories, with 13g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 36g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 instead of walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute with pecans or almonds. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of nut you choose, so monitor them closely while frying to achieve the desired golden color.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as it doesn't include any animal products. You can enhance the flavor by using coconut sugar instead of regular sugar, if desired, for a deeper, caramel-like taste.
How can I make these walnuts more flavorful?
To amp up the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of sea salt after frying. You can also experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger to create unique variations that suit your taste.
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).