So this recipe does not technically qualify as a side dish (maybe for some people!), but these tasty nuts can show up just about anywhere. Here are a bunch of possibilities: in your hand for a snack, tossed in a salad, chopped and sprinkled on top of roasted or steamed vegetables, as a garnish for soup, on top of a scoop of ice cream for a quick sundae, on a cheese plate with some fine cheese and apple slices, sprinkled on an apple crisp, chopped with garlic and olive oil and tossed with pasta for a quick weeknight meal, stirred into a banana bread batter, layered in a breakfast parfait with yogurt, granola and fresh or dried fruit, on a holiday dessert platter with cookies and chocolate, etc…
These nuts transform something simple into something a bit more special.
- 2 cups unsalted walnut halves – or any combo of nuts you like (I did a walnut/pecan mix)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- pinch of Kosher salt (about ⅛ teaspoon)
- Preheat a dry skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the walnuts, maple syrup and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until syrup is caramelized and nuts are toasted, about 3 minutes. Spoon out onto a plate and let cool. You may eat them warm or wait until they have cooled completely and they’ll be a bit more crisp.
- optional ad-ins:
- cinnamon - cumin - nutmeg - cayenne pepper - minced fresh rosemary - ground coriander - ground cardamom - smoked paprika - chile powder
Needless to say these make an excellent holiday and host/hostess gift!