Sweet-and-Spicy Sesame Walnuts

By mirandavoegeli

A gentle heat makes these seasoned walnuts ideal with cocktails.

Ingredients

• 1 pound walnut halves (about 4 cups)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2/3 cup sesame seeds (4 ounces)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Details

Servings 7
Cooking time 45mins
Adapted from foodandwine.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large, wide saucepan, combine the walnuts, sugar and water and bring to a boil. Add the sesame seeds, cayenne and salt and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until the water is nearly evaporated, about 4 minutes. Lower the heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the walnuts are golden brown and sandy, about 4 minutes longer.

Immediately pour the walnuts onto the prepared baking sheet and spread in a single layer. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the nuts are deeply golden and covered with a sandy coating. Let the walnuts cool completely. Break any large clusters apart; transfer to a bowl to serve.