WHAT ARE BROWN SUGAR CANDIED WALNUTS?

Candied walnuts are a crunchy, crispy treat that make a perfect topper for many dishes. They are made by mixing walnuts into a caramel-like candy made from sugar and butter. When the walnuts are added to the hot sugar, the mixture coats the nuts, getting into all of their glorious nooks and crannies. After cooling, the candied walnuts become crunchy, sweet little bites of perfection!

WAYS TO USE BROWN SUGAR CANDIED WALNUTS

There are no limits to how to use candied walnuts. Here are my favourites:

• eat them on their own
• top salads with them
• add them as a topping on smoothie bowls
• mix them into oatmeal
• top yogurt with them

THE INGREDIENTS

As the title states, you only need three ingredients to make this simple recipe. All of which you likely have in your kitchen already:

• walnuts
• butter
• brown sugar

I also LOVE adding this flaky sea salt to them (this is totally optional – but, you should do it…trust me)!

TRY BROWN SUGAR CANDIED WALNUTS ON:

Pear, Gorgonzola and Candied Walnut Salad (so delicious and perfect for dinner parties)

Beet and Orange Salad with Goat Cheese (the perfect sweet and savoury side)

Power Boosting Smoothie Bowl (an extra crunch on top of a creamy smoothie bowl)

OTHER TOPPERS YOU NEED TO TRY

Avocado Croutons (perfect for salad)

Homemade Brown Butter Granola (amazing on yogurt or with a smoothie bowl)

Let’s make some candied walnuts!

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Crunchy 3-Ingredient Candied Walnuts

Serving size: Makes 1 cup walnuts

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw walnuts, halved
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tbsp butter
• flaky sea salt (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-8 minutes, or until lightly browned and fragrant. Watch carefully as they burn easily! Remove and set aside.
3. In a small pot over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar until the sugar starts to bubble. Add the walnuts and cook another 2 minutes. Spread the mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet and immediately sprinkle with a few pinches of salt and separate with a fork. Let cool completely, about 10 minutes, before enjoying!

Store in an airtight container.

The post Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts appeared first on Never. Not. Eating..

Not sure where this idea came from, but I’m grateful for it. Avocado croutons are my new regular croutons.

If you are tired of waiting for your avo to soften, make croutons! Or, if you just want croutons, make croutons!

All you will need is an unripe avocado, some Panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, an egg and some salt and pepper to season.

Tip: When dicing your avocado, cut it in half, lengthwise and remove the pit by tapping it carefully with the sharp blade of your knife. Twist and it should pop right out. Place the avocado on your cutting board, cut side down and peel the skin off with your fingers. This will make it easier to achieve equal cubes when cutting! I suggest 9-12 cubes per half.

Tip #2: Season at every step. Season the avocado directly, season the breadcrumbs and season the croutons after they come out of the pan. Avocados are pretty bland, so adding salt turns up the flavour.

When life gives you avocados, make croutons.

Avocado Croutons

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 unripe avocado (look for mostly darker skin with a few firm, green areas still), pit removed, skin off and diced into 1/2-inch cubes (about 9-12 cubes per half)
• salt
• pepper
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• olive oil

Instructions:

1. Set up your breading stations – have one bowl for the corn starch, the next bowl with the beaten egg and the final bowl with the Panko, mixed with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper.
2. Sprinkle your diced avocado with a pinch of salt and pepper and then toss carefully in the cornstarch. Ensure all sides have a light coating of cornstarch on them and then place into the egg and then into the Panko. Make sure all sides of the avocado are coated in the breadcrumbs.
3. Add enough olive oil to generously coat the bottom of a large pan. Turn heat to medium-high, and when oil is hot, carefully drop each avocado piece into the oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds-1 minute per side, or until browned. Make sure you turn the avocado to cook each side.
4. Remove from pan and drain the croutons on paper towels.

Eat with your favourite salad, or on their own with your favourite creamy dipping sauce (like, ranch or chipotle mayo)!

The post Avocado Croutons appeared first on Never. Not. Eating..