Pagan-Wiiagiminan (Maple Nuts)
Nuts are healthy and filling.  They are versatile and can be eaten as a snack, appetizer, or mixed into a main or side dish.  Personally, I love nuts, I haven't tasted one I don't like.  Here is a simple way to lightly sweeten nuts with maple sugar.  The results are lightly sweetened walnuts and hazelnuts that are hard to stop eating.  The leftover syrup tastes great over pancakes or can be used anywhere else you would use maple syrup.
Servings: 4 yield(s)
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Ingredients
  • 1 cup maple sugar (227g in baker's measure )
  • 3/4 cup water (170g in baker's measure )
  • 1 cup hazelnuts (113g in baker's measure)
  • 1 cup walnuts (85g in baker's measure)
  • 3 cup prunes (397g in baker's measure)
  • 1 tsp vanilla paste (4g in baker's measure)
Instructions
  1. If maple sugar is not in granulated form, grate or pulse in a blender to break it down.
  2. Lightly crush hazelnuts in a zip lock baggie with a rolling pin. Set aside
  3. Pour grated maple sugar, water, and vanilla into a saucepan. Over medium-low heat bring to a boil, then simmer about 3 minutes or until all sugar has been dissolved. DO NOT STIR.
  4. Remove syrup from the stove and add walnuts. Stir to make sure they are coated well.
  5. Add hazelnuts and prunes and stir well to coat with the syrup.
  6. Using a slotted spoon, remove the nuts and prunes from the syrup and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Allow to cool. They are ready to enjoy.
  7. Optional: If you want the nuts extra crunchy, place the sheet pan into a preheated 300-degree oven for 45-60 minutes, turn the oven off, leave the pan inside, and allow the nuts to cool with the oven door slightly open.
  8. Store cooled nuts in an airtight container or zip lock bag. Save drained syrup for later use. It tastes great on pancakes!!
Recipe Notes

  • If you do not have maple sugar you can substitute pure maple syrup for the maple sugar and the water.
  • If you would like to make your own maple sugar,  you can find the recipe for maple sugar here: https://mymomsrecipebook.com/recipes/maple-sugar/
  • I used vanilla paste but you can substitute vanilla extract or even imitation vanilla.