Recipe: Glazed Walnuts

GLAZED WALNUTS

2 cups shelled walnuts*
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

IF DESIRED, TOAST THE NUTS BEFORE GLAZING THEM:
Spread the nuts on a baking sheet. Toast at 350 degrees F for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

TO MAKE THE GLAZE:
Combine sugars and water in a heavy skillet. Over medium heat, stir mixture until sugars are melted. Then bring to a boil and boil over medium to high heat until soft ball stage (that is when a candy thermometer reaches 238 degrees F or a soft ball forms when a small amount of mixture is dropped into cold water).

Add vanilla. Add walnuts and stir until they are coated with glaze. Spread nuts on waxed paper. Let stand until firm. Store in an airtight container.

*You may use this same recipe for pecans, brazil nuts or hazelnuts or filberts.