Grape & Walnut Candy Rolls
Description
These Grape & Walnut Candy Rolls are a classic Greek holiday treat, offering a delightful contrast between crunchy, roasted walnuts and a soft, chewy grape syrup coating. Made with simple ingredients like frozen grape juice concentrate and cornstarch, this dessert delivers a rich, fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with the earthy depth of the nuts. The traditional method involves stringing the walnuts to create a uniform log shape, which is then dipped in thickened syrup and dried until set. These rolls are festive, visually striking, and make an excellent gift or centerpiece for holiday gatherings. They hold up well for weeks, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for special occasions.Ingredients
Directions
-
Thread 20 whole walnuts onto a 2-foot length of heavy-duty thread or string.
-
Tie a knot after the last walnut and tie the ends together to form a closed loop or necklace.
-
Repeat the process with the remaining 20 walnuts to create a second necklace.
-
Divide the frozen grape juice concentrate in half.
-
Pour 1/3 cup of the first half of the grape juice into a jar.
-
Pour the remaining amount of that half into a small saucepan.
-
Heat the grape juice in the saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil.
-
Add 5 teaspoons of cornstarch to the jar containing the 1/3 cup of grape juice.
-
Shake the jar vigorously until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and smooth.
-
Gradually pour the cornstarch mixture into the boiling grape juice in the saucepan, stirring constantly.
-
Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens enough to heavily coat the back of a spoon.
-
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
-
Hold the first walnut necklace by the thread and dip it into the hot grape syrup, ensuring every nut is fully coated.
-
Hang the coated necklace in an airy spot to allow excess syrup to drip off.
-
Repeat the dipping and hanging process for the second necklace.
-
Allow the necklaces to hang and dry for 30 minutes.
-
Prepare a second batch of syrup using the remaining half of the grape juice and the remaining 5 teaspoons of cornstarch, following the same heating and thickening steps.
-
Dip the partially dried necklaces into the second batch of syrup twice to build up a thicker coating.
-
Hang the necklaces to dry completely, which may take several days to a week, until the coating is no longer sticky to the touch.
-
Once completely dry, snip the knotted thread and carefully pull it out of the walnut rolls.
-
Dust the walnut rolls lightly with confectioners' sugar.
-
Slice the rolls into 1/2 inch thick rounds before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- 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
**Thread Selection:** Use a heavy-duty thread like dental floss or strong sewing thread that can withstand the weight of the walnuts and the moisture of the syrup without breaking.
**Drying Time:** The drying process is crucial for the texture. Ensure the rolls are completely dry and firm before removing the thread, or the logs may break apart. Drying time can vary based on humidity and air circulation.
**Storage:** Store finished candy rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
**Syrup Consistency:** If the syrup is too thin, the coating will not set properly. If it is too thick, it may harden into a brittle shell rather than a chewy candy. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
**Variation:** For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the grape juice with orange juice concentrate or pomegranate molasses, though the traditional Greek version uses grape.
