🍬 Alli’s Microwave Cashew Brittle 🍬
Microwave Cashew Brittle is a delicious and easy-to-make candy that combines the sweetness of caramelized sugar with the crunchiness of cashews. It’s a perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth! Here’s all you need to know:
📜 History:
Cashew brittle is a variation of traditional peanut brittle, which has been enjoyed as a sweet treat for generations. The exact history of cashew brittle is a bit unclear, but it likely evolved as a variation of peanut brittle to cater to those who prefer cashews or have allergies to peanuts.
🧁 Components:
To make Alli’s Microwave Cashew Brittle, you’ll need the following components:
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cups of cashews (you can use whole or halves)
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- A pinch of salt
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare Your Pan: Start by greasing a large microwave-safe baking dish or pan. This will prevent the brittle from sticking.
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Mix Sugar and Corn Syrup: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Stir well to ensure they are fully mixed.
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Microwave: Microwave the sugar and corn syrup mixture on high for 4-5 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color. Be cautious as it will be very hot.
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Add Cashews and Butter: Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and quickly stir in the cashews and butter. Make sure the cashews are evenly coated.
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Microwave Again: Put the mixture back in the microwave and heat for another 2-3 minutes or until it turns a deep golden brown. It should bubble and look caramelized.
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Add Vanilla and Baking Soda: Remove from the microwave and quickly stir in the vanilla extract, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. The mixture will bubble up when you add the baking soda, so be cautious.
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Pour and Spread: Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking dish or pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly to your desired thickness.
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Cool and Break: Let the brittle cool and harden for at least 30 minutes. Once it’s completely cool, you can break it into pieces.
⏰ Time Needed:
The entire process usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power. Cooling time is additional, so plan on around an hour from start to finish.
Enjoy your homemade Microwave Cashew Brittle! 🍬😋
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Microwave Cashew Brittle:
🔍 Nutrition Facts (Approximate) per 1-ounce (28g) serving of Cashew Brittle:
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g
💡 Health Information:
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Calories: Cashew brittle is calorie-dense due to its sugar content. Enjoy it in moderation to manage your calorie intake.
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Total Fat: Cashews contain healthy fats, but the brittle also includes added fats from butter and the cashews themselves. Consume it in moderation, especially if you’re watching your fat intake.
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Saturated Fat: The saturated fat content is relatively low, which is a positive aspect for heart health.
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Cholesterol: Cashew brittle is cholesterol-free, making it a good option for those with cholesterol concerns.
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Sodium: The sodium content is moderate. Keep an eye on your sodium intake, especially if you have high blood pressure.
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Total Carbohydrates: The primary source of carbohydrates in cashew brittle is sugar. Be mindful of your sugar intake, especially if you’re managing your blood sugar levels.
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Protein: While cashews provide some protein, brittle isn’t a significant source of protein. It’s more of a sugary treat.
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Fiber: Cashew brittle lacks dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. Balance it with fiber-rich foods.
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Added Sugars: Most of the sugars in cashew brittle are added sugars, which should be consumed in moderation as excessive sugar intake can lead to various health issues.
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Portion Control: Due to its high sugar and calorie content, it’s best to enjoy cashew brittle as an occasional treat rather than a daily snack.
Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size used in your homemade brittle. Enjoy it as an indulgence, but be mindful of its nutritional impact on your overall diet. 🍬🤓
