Ingredients

• Walnuts: 2 cups (200g)
• Water: ~1/2 cup (120ml)
• Cinnamon stick: 1 stick
• Star anise: 1 pod
• Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons (30g)
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
• Honey: 2 tablespoons (45g)
• Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon (10g)

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Toast the Walnuts

1. Preheat a pan: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the 2 cups of walnuts.
2. Lightly toast the walnuts: Toast the walnuts for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure they don’t burn. The goal is to enhance the flavor and bring out the natural oils in the walnuts. Once they are lightly golden and aromatic, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Coating

1. Boil water with spices: In the same skillet or a small saucepan, pour in 1/2 cup of water. Add the cinnamon stick and star anise to the water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Let the spices simmer in the water for about 3-4 minutes to infuse their flavors.
2. Add the sugar and salt: After the water has simmered with the spices, add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. The salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Step 3: Add the Honey and Walnuts

1. Add the honey: Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey, making sure it blends well with the sugar mixture. Honey adds a rich sweetness and a slightly sticky texture, which helps coat the walnuts.
2. Return the walnuts to the pan: Add the toasted walnuts back into the pan and stir to coat them evenly in the honey-sugar mixture. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the liquid starts to thicken and reduce, forming a syrupy glaze around the walnuts. This process takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Sesame Seeds and Finish Cooking

1. Sprinkle sesame seeds: Once the walnuts are well-coated and the caramel mixture has thickened, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the walnuts. The sesame seeds will add a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch to the walnuts.
2. Finish cooking: Stir the walnuts for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sesame seeds to stick to the walnuts as the caramel mixture continues to thicken. Remove the cinnamon stick and star anise from the pan once the walnuts are fully coated and the glaze is sticky and glossy.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Transfer to a tray: Spread the caramelized walnuts on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. This prevents the walnuts from sticking together as they cool. Spread them out in a single layer to allow them to cool evenly.
2. Cool completely: Let the walnuts cool for about 15-20 minutes. As they cool, the caramel coating will harden, giving the walnuts a delightful crunchy texture.
3. Serve: Once fully cooled, your caramelized walnuts with honey and sesame are ready to enjoy! They can be eaten as a snack on their own, sprinkled over salads, yogurt, or oatmeal, or used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or cakes.

Cooking Tips

• Use fresh walnuts: Fresh walnuts are key to achieving the best flavor. Make sure your walnuts are fresh and not stale or rancid. You can store walnuts in the freezer if you want to keep them fresh for longer periods.
• Monitor the caramelization process: Be careful not to let the caramel glaze burn. Stirring frequently and keeping the heat at medium will help you avoid burning the sugar and honey. If the mixture starts to darken too quickly, lower the heat.
• Optional flavor variations: You can experiment with additional spices, such as ground cloves, nutmeg, or a pinch of cayenne pepper, to give your caramelized walnuts a unique flavor twist. You could also use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.
• Add a bit of vanilla: For extra flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract to the caramel mixture once the sugar has dissolved. This adds a subtle but delicious aroma to the nuts.

Storage

• Room temperature: Store the cooled caramelized walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which can soften the nuts.
• Refrigeration: If you want to store the walnuts for longer, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They can stay fresh for up to 3 weeks this way.
• Freezing: You can also freeze caramelized walnuts in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to eat.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugars: 8 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Omega-3 fatty acids: 2.5 g (from the walnuts)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
   • Yes, this recipe works well with other nuts such as pecans, almonds, or cashews. You can substitute the walnuts for your favorite nut or use a mix of different nuts for variety.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
   • Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup to make this recipe vegan. The result will still be deliciously sweet and sticky.
3. How do I prevent the walnuts from sticking together?
   • Spread the caramelized walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet immediately after cooking. This helps prevent them from clumping together. Be sure to stir them a bit while cooling if they seem to stick too much.
4. What can I do if the caramel becomes too hard?
   • If your caramel hardens too much and becomes difficult to handle, try reheating the mixture gently on low heat with a small splash of water to soften it and make it easier to coat the walnuts.
5. Can I make this recipe without sesame seeds?
   • Absolutely! The sesame seeds add extra crunch and a nutty flavor, but if you don’t like or don’t have sesame seeds, you can omit them without affecting the overall recipe.

Conclusion

Caramelized walnuts with honey, sesame seeds, and warming spices like cinnamon and star anise make for a versatile, flavorful snack that is both sweet and nutritious. The natural crunch of walnuts is enhanced by the caramelized sugar and honey, while the spices bring depth and warmth to each bite. Whether you’re enjoying them on their own or using them to top salads, oatmeal, or desserts, these caramelized walnuts are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

This recipe is simple and quick, making it an easy go-to snack for holiday gatherings, parties, or even as a homemade gift. With a handful of ingredients and a little time, you can whip up a batch of these delicious caramelized walnuts that will satisfy both your sweet tooth and your love for healthy snacks. Enjoy!