Walnuts: Farm Made Treats

Walnuts are an amazing health food.  Walnuts are one of the best plant sources of protein. Nuts in general are high in plant sterols and omega 3 fatty acids (the good fats) that have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol. Walnuts, in particular, have significantly higher amounts of omega 3 fatty acids when compared to other nuts.

Today I made candied walnuts (and almonds & peanuts too). I've had them by themselves, in trail mixes and sprinkled on salads - which is my favorite way! I thought after making that caramel corn earlier this week that I would give it a try and make some candied walnuts. So here is what I came up with...

1/2 c. water
1 c. sugar
1/4 t. salt, Kosher preferred - omit if salted nuts
2-3 c. walnuts, almonds  or peanuts
Preheat oven to 100 degrees.

Melt water and sugar in pot. Once melted continue to cook over med-high heat for 3 minutes (until boiling). Stir constantly so it doesn't burn.

Put the walnuts in a large bowl and drizzle the syrup over a few tablespoons at a time and stir, stir, stir. The nuts need to be pretty well coated with the syrup mixture. Set them aside on a baking sheet or roasting pan lined with either parchment or wax paper. Put the rest of them on the baking sheet and put them in the oven. And turn the oven off. The residual heat will do the rest.

Set your timer for 10 minutes and take them out, stir them up and then flatten them so they are in a single layer. Let it cool enough that you will not burn your tongue and then try one. You now have a healthier treat instead of plain sugary candy.

Now give my salad a try ...

Mixed baby greens
Crumbled blue cheese
Crumbled bacon
Craisins and / or chopped apples
Candied walnuts
Citrus dressing - I like to make my own from orange juice, a little squeeze of lime, canola oil, salt and honey. Nope, no recipe. Each time it comes out a little different, but I always do it to taste.

Do you like nuts? What is your favorite recipe/food/way to eat nuts?