Spiced Candied Maple Walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread nuts in a single layer over an ungreased baking sheet. Roast for about 9 minutes, or until the nuts start to turn brown and you can smell the roasting nuts. Watch carefully, nuts seem to burn fast once they brown.

Stir together sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and milk in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat for 8 minutes, or until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage of 236 degrees F. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla and maple extract/flavoring immediately.

Add walnuts to the sugar syrup and stir quickly to coat well. Dump nuts onto a cookie sheet covered with waxed paper and immediately separate nuts with a fork. Cool and store in airtight containers. Eat alone for a delicious snack, or top desserts and salads with a handful.

If you don’t like maple, remove it and have the plain spiced walnuts. They are still delicious!