Caramelized Candied Peanuts

Gather the ingredients.

Line a large baking sheet or pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Set aside.

In a heavy-bottomed skillet, combine the peanuts, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a syrup.

Continue cooking and stirring for about 10 minutes, or until the liquids evaporate and a sandy-textured sugar mixture coats the peanuts.

Lower the heat a bit and continue stirring as the excess sugar in the pan begins to melt. This will take several minutes. Once the syrup begins to form, it will change in color from clear to golden to amber. Stir constantly and be careful that the heat is not so high as to burn or darken the syrup too much.

When the syrup is a light to medium amber color, and the sugary coating on the peanuts has glazed, remove the skillet from the heat.

Sprinkle the salt and orange flower water (if using) over the peanuts and stir.

Turn the peanuts out onto your prepared pan and quickly spread them into a single layer. Allow them to cool and harden before serving.

Be sure the caramelized peanuts have cooled completely before storing them in an airtight container. Enjoy.