Cocoa Roasted Walnuts

This is a cocoa twist on my Baklava Roasted Walnuts recipe.  I like walnuts for these types of spiced nuts because the ridges capture the sugar coating. Also, try this with pecans. Printable recipe here.

Serves 8

• 1/4 cup sugar (or I have also used 1/8 cup sugar and 1/8 cup Splenda) 
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 small pinch of salt
• 2 cups walnut halves
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter or butter substitute (I used smart balance)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a medium sized bowl combine sugar, cocoa powder and salt, set aside.
2. In a medium pot over medium heat bring water and maple syrup to a boil, stir in butter, vanilla, and walnuts.  Stir gently until syrup mixture has become thickened and is coating the nuts.
3. Scrape coated walnuts into bowl of sugar mixture, stir to coat.
4. Lay coated nuts on to wax paper or silicone mat to cool.
5. Enjoy! 

Waiting for these to cool before jamming them all in my mouth