This traditional Greek confection, known as “Grape and Walnut Candy Rolls,” is a unique and festive dessert that combines the earthy crunch of walnuts with the tart sweetness of reduced grape juice. The walnuts are strung together, then repeatedly dipped in a thickened grape concentrate to form a glossy, hard candy shell. Once dried, the string is removed, leaving a log of glazed nuts that is dusted with powdered sugar and sliced into rounds. This labor-of-love treat is perfect for holiday gatherings or special celebrations. It offers a striking visual presentation and a complex flavor profile that balances sweet, tart, and nutty notes. While time-consuming, the result is a memorable centerpiece dessert that showcases simple ingredients transformed through patience and technique.
Grape And Walnut Candy Rolls
Description
This traditional Greek confection, known as "Grape and Walnut Candy Rolls," is a unique and festive dessert that combines the earthy crunch of walnuts with the tart sweetness of reduced grape juice. The walnuts are strung together, then repeatedly dipped in a thickened grape concentrate to form a glossy, hard candy shell. Once dried, the string is removed, leaving a log of glazed nuts that is dusted with powdered sugar and sliced into rounds. This labor-of-love treat is perfect for holiday gatherings or special celebrations. It offers a striking visual presentation and a complex flavor profile that balances sweet, tart, and nutty notes. While time-consuming, the result is a memorable centerpiece dessert that showcases simple ingredients transformed through patience and technique.Ingredients
Directions
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Thread a needle with a 2-foot length of heavy-duty thread and tie a knot 8 inches from the end.
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Carefully string 20 walnuts onto the thread, spacing them evenly.
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Tie a knot after the last walnut and tie the thread ends together to form a necklace loop.
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Repeat the process to create a second necklace with the remaining 20 walnuts.
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Divide the frozen grape juice concentrate: pour 1/3 cup into a jar and the rest into a small saucepan.
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Heat the juice in the saucepan to a boil over medium heat.
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Add 5 teaspoons of cornstarch to the jar of juice and shake vigorously until fully dissolved and smooth.
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Gradually stir the cornstarch mixture into the boiling juice, stirring constantly.
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Cook until the mixture thickens enough to heavily coat the back of a spoon.
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Remove the saucepan from heat.
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Dip one walnut necklace into the hot grape mixture, ensuring every nut is completely coated.
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Hang the coated necklace in an airy spot to dry for 30 minutes.
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Repeat the dipping and hanging process for the second necklace.
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Allow the necklaces to dry until the coating is no longer sticky, which may take several days.
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Once dry, repeat the dipping process using the remaining grape juice and cornstarch mixture, dipping the necklaces twice more.
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Let the necklaces hang to dry completely for about a week until the coating is hard and non-sticky.
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When fully dry, snip the knotted thread and carefully pull it out from the center of the walnut rolls.
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Dust the resulting walnut rolls with confectioners' sugar.
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Slice the rolls into 1/2-inch rounds before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 9857.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 975.0g1500%
- Saturated Fat 91.5g458%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 30.1mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 216.9g73%
- Dietary Fiber 100.5g402%
- Sugars 39.0g
- Protein 228.0g456%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep away from humidity to prevent the candy coating from becoming sticky.
You can substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans for a different texture and flavor profile.
Use dental floss or strong craft thread to prevent breakage during the long drying process. Ensure the grape juice mixture is very thick before dipping to ensure a proper candy shell forms.
