Chinese Fried Walnuts

About 1 1/2 hours before serving or up to 2 weeks ahead: In a 4-quart saucepan over high heat, heat water to boiling.

Add walnuts and heat to boiling; cook 1 minute.

Rinse walnuts under running hot water.

Drain.

Wash saucepan and dry well.

In a large bowl with a rubber spatula, gently stir warm walnuts with sugar until sugar is dissolved.

(If necessary, let mixture stand 5 minutes to dissolve sugar.)

Meanwhile, in same saucepan over medium heat, heat about 1 inch salad oil to 350°.

With a slotted spoon, add about half of walnuts to oil; fry 5 minutes or until golden, stirring often.