Steps: In a cold non-stick skillet, combine the walnuts, brown sugar, water, butter, and salt. Cook on high heat. The moisture will evaporate, leaving you with deliciously caramelized walnuts. Once done, let them cool on parchment paper with an additional sprinkle of salt.
A Few Pro Tips
- Non-Stick is Non-Negotiable: Ensure you use a non-stick skillet to avoid sticky situations!
- High Heat: Remember, always keep the heat high for the perfect caramelization.
- Stirring: Stir occasionally for the first 5 minutes. As the moisture evaporates, keep stirring constantly to avoid burning.
For those who appreciate the rich flavor of walnuts, do check out the Orange Walnut Cake or the classic Carrot Walnut Cake.
Gift It Right: Packaging is key, especially when gifting. For a festive touch, wrap these caramel walnuts in clear cellophane, finish with a lovely ribbon, and there you have it – a heartfelt homemade holiday gift!
Whether you’re planning to treat yourself or charm someone else, these 5-minute caramel walnuts are a testament to the beauty of quick and easy recipes. Give it a shot, and let the magic unfold.
Ingredients
- 1 cup wholesome walnuts
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp light brown sugar firmly packed (avoid using deep brown varieties)
- ¼ cup pure water
- 1 tbsp creamy unsalted butter
- A dash of salt plus an extra two pinches for finishing
Instructions
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Prepare Your Setting: Lay out a sheet of parchment paper on a flat dinner plate or another heat-resistant surface. This will be your cooling station, so ensure it’s within arm’s reach.
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Mix to Begin: In a medium-sized non-stick frying pan, combine walnuts, light brown sugar, water, butter, and the dash of salt.
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Cooking Process: Turn on the stove and set it to a high flame. As the mixture begins to heat up, stir it now and then for around 5 minutes. By the last minute, shift to a more consistent stir while dialing the heat down to medium. The goal is to witness the transformation of the mixture – from watery to glossy, and the nuts should appear as if they’re dancing together in a caramel embrace.
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Check the Consistency: Before removing from the heat, ensure every drop of liquid has evaporated. The caramelized nuts should have a sticky, luscious texture.
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Cool and Season: Swiftly transfer the caramel-coated walnuts to the prepared parchment paper, ensuring they lay flat in a singular layer. While still hot and sticky, sprinkle the two pinches of salt over them for that perfect sweet-salty balance.
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Break and Store: Once cooled to room temperature, you can break apart the clusters. Pop these delightful treats into a container and store them for several days. However, given their addictive taste, they might just disappear before you know it!
