Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      pound         walnut meats -- halved
   4      cups          peanut oil -- for deep-frying
                        *** the syrup ***
   2      cups          water
   1      cup           sugar
   2      whole         star anise
   1                    cinnamon stick
   3      tablespoons   honey

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to its lowest temperature, then switch it off. Bring a 2-quart saucepan filled three-fourths full of water to a boil. Add the walnuts and blanch for 2 minutes. Remove the nuts from the pan and drain, discarding all water. Mix the syrup ingredients together in the same saucepan. Bring to a simmer and add the nuts. Lightly boil, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until the syrup begins to thicken. Remove the nuts with a slotted spoon and place on a baking pan and dry in the warmed oven for at least 2 hours. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or wok to about 360 degrees. Fry the nuts in small batches for about 2 minutes or until the nuts turn dark brown. Do not allow them to burn. Remove to a tray and allow to cool. This recipe serves 8. Comments: A delightful appetizer from China. It is great with cocktails or may be served as part of the first appetizer course.