2cupsuntoasted black walnutsRubbed gently of their skins
½cupwhite sugar
¼teaspoonkosher saltplus more to taste
Instructions
Read the entire recipe before you begin, and make sure you have a cookie sheet lined with a silpat or another nonstick surface at the ready.
In a 2 qt or similar saucepan, preferably heavy stainless or cast iron (no aluminum here unless you're experienced--it's too thin and uneven) heat the nuts and sugar on medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. The sugar will start to clump and crystalize a bit this is normal, it may take a bit depending on your pan.
After roughly 5 minutes the sugar should start to melt and change color do a light amber. Continue stirring constantly with the wooden spoon to prevent burning, and to encourage even toasting of the nuts. If the sugar isn't melted yet, don't worry, just keep stirring.
The sugar will liquify and get loose as it gets darker. Once the sugar is completely melted and dark amber colored, the nuts should smell nice and toasty, but not be burnt. Take it off the heat immediately.
Quickly transfer the nuts to a silpat, cookie sheet, or other nonstick surface (in a pinch I've spread them out in a cast iron skillet).
Spread the molted hot nut mixture into an even layer, season with the salt while it is still hot and sticky, you don't want to stir in the salt since it will destroy the individual flakes of salt, making them melt.
Cool the nuts completely.
After the nuts are cool, they will be brittle, and likely in one large, giant hunk. break off small bite size pieces of the croquant and store in an air tight container. The candied nuts will keep for a few weeks stored in a cool dark place.
Video
Notes
Using other nuts
You can use other nuts in place of the black walnuts here.
Additions
Sometimes I add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the nuts right before I take them off the heat. A tiny pinch of cinnamon can be ok too.