Greek Walnut Spoon Sweet

1. 1

   Wash the walnuts well; place in a saucepan and add water to cover by two to 3 inches; boil until the walnuts have got quite soft (there is no time for this); remove from water and put in a large bowl with enough cold water to cover; leave in water for 48 hours, changing water every 8 hours.

2. 2

   Boil the 2 lbs sugar with 3 cups water for 8 minutes; drain the walnuts from the water and insert an entire blanched almond into the centre of each walnut (this is done most easily using the pointy end of the almond to push it in); add the walnuts to the syrup and boil for 5-7 minutes; remove the saucepan from the fire and leave the walnuts to cool in the syrup for 24 hours.

3. 3

   Put the saucepan back on the fire and bring to a boil again; skim off any foam that develops on the surface; boil until the syrup thickens no time is given for this, add the lemon juice and the vanilla beans; continue boiling the walnuts for a few more minutes (5-8?) and remove from the fire; when cold, put up in jars.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.