I LOVE this recipe! I have made it for pot lucks and just to enjoy as a handy snack at home. I have had several people ask me for this recipe.
Couple of hints - I put my sugar in a large container with a lid; once I've boiled & rinsed my walnuts, I put them inside the container, seal the lid, and start shaking!
Also, I use a slotted spoon to transfer the walnuts from the container to the oil - unfortunately, I learned that trick the hard way!!!
The oil will drop in temperature when you place the walnuts in - that's normal. I use a gas stove for this every time.
Make sure you do not let the oil get more than 350. Burnt fried walnuts don't taste QUITE as good...
Another hint - after I drained the pot of water, I put paper towels in the bottom of it and placed the colander on top, so that the paper towels catch the excess oil.
Do NOT put the freshly fried walnuts straight on to the paper towels!!! You will end up with paper-covered walnuts!!!