Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (450g) raw walnut halves
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 cup (110g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white and water vigorously until the mixture is frothy and opaque.
  3. Add the raw walnut halves to the egg white foam and toss thoroughly until every nut is evenly coated and glistening.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and optional cayenne pepper.
  5. Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the wet nuts and fold gently to combine. Drizzle the maple syrup over the top and give a final toss.
  6. Spread the walnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not crowded to allow for maximum airflow.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even dehydration and to prevent the sugars from scorching.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool completely on the pan. The coating will harden and become 'shattering' as it cools.