In Tudor times, walnuts were eaten at the end of a meal to ‘close the stomach’ in much the same way as a digestif is served nowadays to settle your stomach after a heavy meal.Turns out they were right as modern scientific studies show that not only do walnuts act as a natural laxatives but also improve the probiotic bacteria in the gut. Sounds like the doctor is practically ordering you to have these post meal snacks!

-Rachel Finley

1 cup rapadura, coconut or light muscavado sugar

2-3 cups walnut halves

Preheat oven to 350F/180C

Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper

Make a caramel by heating sugar in a heavy based saucepan. Don’t stir but instead gently swirl to mix the sugar into the caramel.

Remove from the heat & add the walnut halves. Once coated tip the nuts onto the oiled greaseproof paper & allow to cool.

**If needed separate the walnuts using a pair of forks brushed with oil.