Cretian Candy Nut Chews

Ingredients

• 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 cup hazelnut, finely chopped blanched
• 1 cup almonds, finely chopped blanched
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups honey
• 2 teaspoons five-color peppercorns, freshly milled
• 1 tablespoon cardamom, ground
• 1/4 cup sesame seed

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F Place the nuts on a nonstick baking sheet and bake until lightly toasted, 8 to 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Bring the sugar, honey, pepper and cardamom to a boil in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the mixture reaches 220° F on a candy thermometer.

3. 3

   Mix in the nuts and continue cooking, stirring frequently, for another 10 minutes, or until the candy pulls away from the sides of the pan and reaches 280°F Remove from the heat.

4. 4

   Line a large nonstick baking sheet with parchment.

5. 5

   Using 2 well-greased teaspoons, drop the nut mixture onto the parchment 1 teaspoonful at a time, being careful not to touch the mixture because it is very hot. Allow 2 inches between the candies because they will spread as they cool.

6. 6

   Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and allow the chews to dry, about 30 minutes.

7. 7

   The chews can be stored on parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.