While I am at work [short story: I work at the library here on campus; I process ILLs, check out books, help patrons with research questions, and occasionally help decorate display cases or do other odd jobs], sometimes my boss and I will talk about the current news in the field of nutrition, like the Paleo diet and gluten sensitivity and the like. We exchange recipe ideas and she gave me this one, out of a book called The Candy Counter. After hearing rave reviews from my boss, I decided to make it too!
Coincidentally, my friend Sarah asked me to bake a little something for her Teen Vogue party just a few days earlier!
This recipe couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s college-kitchen friendly–and slightly addicting.
Maple-Candied Walnuts & Almonds with Coconut
Adapted from The Candy Counter, page 192
1/2 cup grade A maple syrup
1 cup raw walnuts
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in a bowl (I used a rubber/silicone nonstick bowl) and pour on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet; spread evenly (thinly as possible, to get those delicious browned edges). Bake 15-20 minutes, until golden brown, bubbling, and the coconut is nice and toasty.
Cool completely on the tray, either placed on a wire rack or just on top of the stove. Break into pieces. Store up to 1 week.
These went over very well at the party, and made the lounge smell wonderfully mapley and delicious. Next time I think I would sprinkle a bit of sea salt to bring out the maple flavor, and perhaps roast it a bit longer… I was seriously paranoid it was going to burn.
The flavors of the nuts and the coconut and the maple syrup just complement each other so well. Crunchy, yummy finger food. The party was a lot of fun–it was a makeup/sharpie/photo-taking extravaganza! A great end to a long, post-spring-break-week.
Many thanks to Sarah for putting the party together and to Teen Vogue for supplying the makeup, Sharpie totes, and party decorations!
…. and now it’s time for homework.
What will I cook today? 