These are a favourite of my Dad, who likes Brazil nuts done this way at Christmas time.

Ingredients

• 3 cups mixed roasted nuts
• 1½ cups sugar
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 25 grams butter
• 3 tablespoons dark rum

Method

1. Line a baking tray or Swiss roll tin with baking paper and sprinkle ovr the nuts.
2. Place the sugar, water and corn syrup in a saucepan; stir over a medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Increast heat to bring mixture to the boil. Stop stirring and boil steadily until the mixture reaches 160ºC or soft ball stage. Gently stir in the butter and rum.
3. Boil again until the mixture is light honey in colour or when a little dropped into cold water forms a hard ball and snaps.
4. Remove from the heat and quickly pour over the nuts. Leave to set. When cold, break into pieces. Store in an airtight container or sealable jars.

Cooks Tips

- To roast nuts, place them in a 180ºC oven for about 10 minutes until golden bown. Keep your eye on them as large nuts like Brazils take longer and smaller ones, like chopped walnuts may need less time.