The Chinese Lunar New Year is a time for optimism. Certain foods a traditionally served to to bring good luck in the future. As an example, long noodles represent a long life. Candied walnuts are part of this tradition as symbols of wealth and abundance. Like most other Chinese dishes, they’re really good too!

Cantonese Candied Walnuts

These candied walnuts are wonderful. Lovely caramel coated nut with a touch of sweetness to offset the slightly bitter undertone of the almost-burnt caramel make for a cocktail party treat that will be gone minutes after it's put out.

5 from 2 votes

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Course: Appetizer, Hand Food, Snack

Cuisine: Canton, Chinese, Southern China

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings:

Author: My Hungry Traveler

Equipment

Rimmed baking sheet
Wok or large pan
Parchment paper

Ingredients

1 lb Walnut halves
1 cup Sugar
¼ tsp Salt
¼ cup Water
1½ tbsp Golden syrup or corn syrup

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread nuts in a single layer over a baking pan and roast until they begin to brown and smell, about 8-10 minutes.
While the walnuts are roasting, mix together sugar, salt, water, and golden syrup in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. The mixture should reach the "softball stage" (250°F/121°C). Immediately add walnuts and stir to coat thoroughly.
Spoon walnuts back onto the baking pan covered with parchment or wax paper. Separate nuts with a fork as they cool. Store in a plastic container.