My Candied Walnuts are seizing up! I got a really simple recipe for spicy candied walnuts, for my salads and snacking. I made a small batch the first time and really liked them, they came out with that hard crack type shell. I tried another recipe that the sugar crystallizes on the nut, didn't like it so much. So I made the regular size batch and it didn't work out that well. I used everything the way I was supposed to but the caramelized sugar/cayenne/salt/oil mixture seized up into a candy type stuff. Now don't get me wrong, this spicy sweet candy pieces are good, but I want it all over my walnuts!
What happened? And what can I do different next time?
You need to monitor the sugars temperature. You had reached hardboil stage. Lower the heat a bit. Go to this website and it will show you how to properly cook the sugar mixture.