CARAMEL SESAME WALNUTS (SUGAR COATED WALNUTS)

The only way my daughter enjoys eating nuts is when I serve them caramelised. She and I are diametrically opposite in our tastes and personalities. I love eating nuts and fruits and she avoids them like plague! I have to virtually threaten her to eat fruits. We had caramelised nuts at a restaurant and when I saw her demolishing them with utter delight, I knew I had found solution to the 'nut' problem. 

This time around, my caramel happened to thicken more than I had intended it to be and this lead to a sugary coating on the nuts which my daughter enjoyed nonetheless. But I prefer them with lesser amount of sugar. 

The first time I tried them, I made them with honey and although they were tasty but they were also sticky and were not crunchy. Next time I made with caramel coating and when they cooled, they were sweet as well as crunchy. 

Making these is simple and they can be enjoyed with pre-dinner drinks and as a snack. You will need, 

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup sugar (you can increase or decrease the amount)

1 generous cup walnuts, halved

1 tsp white sesame seeds (more if required)

Line a baking tray with baking paper and grease it with butter. 

Pre-heat the oven at 180 degrees

In a pan add sugar and water and let them boil. 

Add walnuts once it starts to boil and reduce the heat to medium low. 

Cook for 5-7 minutes and then spoon out and transfer the walnuts to the baking tray.

Sprinkle generously with the sesame seeds, adding more if required.

Bake them for 2-3 minutes or till them turn golden brown, keeping a close eye on them. 

Flip them over and bake further so the other side also turns golden brown. 

Once done, remove the tray from the oven and let them cool. Transfer them to an air tight container. 

Serves - 3 to 4

Note: In case you wish to have a mild sweet taste ensure that the caramel is not too thick otherwise it will heavily coat the walnuts (when you remove them for baking) leading to a sugar coating. 
Note: You can use pecans, almonds, pistachio or any nuts that you prefer.