SPICED CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• In a deep saucepan, pour oil to a depth of at least 3 inches and heat to 350 degrees F.
• While the oil is heating, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Measure the salt, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and black pepper into a small bowl and mix well.
• Holding the nuts in a sieve, dip them briefly into the boiling water, about 1 minute for large halves.
• (Blanching removes some of the tannins and makes walnuts taste sweet).
• Transfer to a large bowl with a little water clinging to them.
• While the nuts are still hot and wet, add the sugar and toss well to evenly coat.
• The sugar will melt on contact with the hot nuts.
• Keep stirring and tossing until all the sugar has melted.
• If bits of unmelted sugar remain on the nuts, they will not fry properly.
• Stir the nuts again before frying.
• Using a large slotted spoon, transfer a few nuts to the hot oil, allowing the foam to subside before adding another spoonful.
• (Otherwise, the oil could foam over and burn you).
• Fry in small batches until the nuts are medium brown, about 1 minute.
• Be careful not to overcook.
• Scatter on an unlined baking sheet to cool slightly.
• While the nuts are still warm, transfer them to a bowl and sprinkle evenly with about half of the spice mix.
• Toss well to distribute the spices and then taste a nut.
• Add more spice mix, to taste, and toss well after each addition.
• When cool, pack in an airtight jar.
• They will keep at room temperature for at least 2 weeks.