When I realized how easy it is to candy nuts, my husband began requesting salads for lunch just to top them with these perfectly sweetened nuts. Nuts, like all things in moderation, offer many health benefits because of the oils and nutrients packed within them. Candying them, while not ultimately healthy, can help introduce these other nutrients for the nut-adverse. They are also incredible on any salad!
You will need:
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, etc.)
- 1/4 cup sugar
Melt the butter in a medium skillet, and pour in the roughly chopped nuts. Stir the nuts to coat them in butter – this will help the sugar stick. Allow them to heat in the skillet on low until the butter begins to dry/solidify, stirring occasionally. Evenly coat the nuts with sugar by shaking the sugar over the skillet. Stir to help coat and keep from burning. After a minute, pour the nuts out on to wax or parchment paper, spread them so they are not touching each other and allow to cool. Eat immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Alternatively, freeze for later use.
Take-Home Tips: In addition to salads, use the nuts to top ice cream, pies, or other desserts. They go great on pancakes, in breads, or for snacks by themselves.
Caution: these sweet morsels are irresistible, even if you do not typically include nuts in your weekly meal prep. It is amazing what a little sugar and butter can do.
Food of the Month 