Last night, Ayla performed in her first Nutcracker. She loves to dance and while watching dress rehearsals a few nights ago, fell madly in love with the Dew Drop Fairy. So much so, that on the way out that evening, she told her how beautiful she was and asked if she would come home and be her sister. As we walked down the street together after rehearsal, she pirouetted all the way to the car. To say last night was emotional can not truly define what it feels like to observe your child realizing a dream. It's nothing short of the richest and most beautiful magic that exists in our world.

There is also magic in traditions. We have some that we honor religiously every season, some we slowly out grow and some we sadly forget all together. I'm so happy to have my mom with us right now and equally happy that she reminded me about the Sherried Walnuts she used to make every year. With no Sherry in the house, I improvised and was thrilled with results. This is an easy make and give recipe - if they last long enough to gift!

SALTED PORT CANDIED WALNUTS

1 c. port

2 c. brown sugar

4 c. shelled walnuts

sea salt

Pour the walnuts in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

Roll out a long sheet of parchment paper to allow the candies to cool and harden when they are ready.

In a medium sauce pan, add the port and brown sugar over medium heat. Affix your candy thermometer to the side of the pot. Whisk the sugar until it dissolves, then leave alone until the thermometer reads 240F.

 

Working quickly, pour the sauce over the walnuts and mix thoroughly so that all the walnuts are coated. Pour them out onto the parchment and use the back of a spoon to spread them out flat. Sprinkle with sea salt while still moist. Let set for 3-4 hours or until the candy as hardened. Break apart and store in an air tight container for up to a month.

 

I hope you enjoyed the make & give posts and they inspire you to handcraft your holiday this year. Back next week with one more guest before the holiday, a special breakfast and of course... latkes!

 

Comments

[Alison]

really lovely blog. keep up the good work!

[Cinnamon]

I make spiced pecans and almonds to give as gifts every year, but I hadn't been able to find a good recipe for walnuts. This is it! Thank you!

[Cinnamon]

BTW, what is the sea salt in the recipe for? I see it in the ingredient list but not in the directions.

[jen a]

oh my gosh! i can't believe i for got to write to sprinkle the candy with the sea salt - off to correct now - thank you so much for the heads up cinnamon!

[Cinnamon]

Oh. My. Goodness. I just made these with the intention of taking them to my in-laws to share tomorrow and I don't think there will be any left! These are soooooo good. Thank you for the recipe!!!
Happy Holidays. :)

[jen a]

ha! i love that! ours didn't last long either ;)

[linden]

Oh, I know of the feeling you speak of regarding the nutcracker! My daughter also performed for 4 years on the Nutcracker with world reknowned dancers/directors...she's 24 now and travelling cross the country in a vintage Scamp. Their dreams change but, your heart is always full for them! Your words are lovely...

[jen a]

i love that linden - thank you - watching them pursue those dreams, regardless of how fleeting - is such joy. xo