Judy Haffner wrote:
> I made several batches of Candied Walnuts today, which is always one
> of the most popular things I make for the holiday season. Everyone
> that tastes them seems to love them, but said they are addictive, and
> they can't stop eating them?! I like to put them in pretty little
> Christmasy containers to give out.
>
> Candied Walnuts
>
> 2-1/2 cups walnuts halves
> 1 cup sugar
> 1/2 cup water
> 1 tsp. salt
> 1 tsp. cinnamon
> 1-1/2 tsp. vanilla
>
> Place walnut halves in a shallow pan and heat in 375º oven for about
> 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove nuts from oven.
>
> Cook sugar, water, cinnamon and salt to soft-ball stage (236º) and
> don't stir once it reaches the boiling point (I stick in the candy
> thermometer and keep a close eye on it, as doesn't take long to reach
> temperature). Remove from heat; add vanilla and roasted walnuts and
> stir gently until nuts are well coated and mixture becomes creamy.
> Turn out onto a greased platter. Separate the walnut halves as they
> cool.
>
> These keep well, but can guarantee they won't last long! They are also
> are GREAT travelers, and have mailed them out to family members with
> great results.
>
> Judy

I have made them but not like that. I made them and also a pecan and
cranberry mix when I was on a raw food diet. I used soaked raw nuts, a mix
of dates and water whizzed up in the food processor for the sweetener and
added black pepper and orange zest to the pecans. I think I used a touch of
maple syrup to the walnuts. And now that I think of it, I did something
with cashews too. I used some kind of fruit in them. Maybe apricots? I
made those for my brother and since he loves apricots that is probably what
I used. Dehydrated on a low temp. until crisp. Very good!