The recipe you’ve provided is for “To Die For Buttery Almond Nut Crunch,” a decadent candy known for its rich, buttery flavor and chocolate coating. Here’s a detailed exploration of the recipe:
Recipe: To Die For Buttery Almond Nut Crunch
Overview:
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Recipe Category: Candy
- Keywords: Dessert, < 30 Mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 cups almonds, toasted and chopped
- 4 ounces chocolate, melted (for coating)
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds (for topping)
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 8):
- Calories: 514
- Total Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 20.1g
- Cholesterol: 61mg
- Sodium: 167.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34.1g
- Fiber: 5.2g
- Sugars: 26.3g
- Protein: 7.3g
Recipe Instructions:
- Heat the sugar, butter, and water in a large, heavy pot with buttered sides.
- Cook rapidly and stir constantly, being careful not to scrape the sides of the pan.
- Cook until the mixture reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit or the hard-crack stage. This stage is reached when a small amount of mixture dropped into a glass of cold water separates into threads that are hard and brittle.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of toasted almonds and stir quickly.
- Quickly turn the candy out onto a buttered cookie sheet.
- Form the candy into a shape about 1 foot square.
- When the candy is almost cool, brush it with melted chocolate and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of toasted almonds.
- Break into pieces when completely cold.
Detailed Breakdown:
1. Cooking Process:
- The recipe begins by heating together sugar, butter, and water in a heavy-bottomed pot. The buttered sides of the pot help prevent crystallization of the sugar.
- It’s crucial to cook this mixture rapidly while stirring constantly to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Care should be taken not to scrape the sides of the pan, as this can introduce sugar crystals and cause the mixture to crystallize prematurely.
2. Hard-Crack Stage:
- The candy is cooked until it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit, which is known as the hard-crack stage in candy making. Alternatively, you can test for this stage by dropping a small amount of the mixture into cold water. If it separates into hard, brittle threads, it’s ready.
3. Adding Almonds:
- Once at the hard-crack stage, toasted and chopped almonds are quickly stirred into the mixture. Toasting the almonds beforehand enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the candy.
4. Shaping and Finishing:
- The candy mixture is swiftly poured onto a buttered cookie sheet and shaped into a square. As it cools, it is brushed with melted chocolate and topped with more toasted almonds, adding a delightful chocolatey and nutty finish.
5. Serving and Storage:
- After completely cooling and setting, the candy is broken into pieces. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making it a perfect homemade treat or gift for special occasions.
Nutritional Highlights:
- This candy is indulgent, with a high fat content primarily from butter and almonds. It’s rich in calories, making it a satisfying dessert option. The addition of almonds also boosts its fiber and protein content slightly, adding some nutritional value alongside its decadent qualities.
Conclusion:
“To Die For Buttery Almond Nut Crunch” is a classic candy recipe that combines the richness of butter, the crunch of almonds, and the sweetness of chocolate into a treat that lives up to its name. Perfect for those who love homemade candies and enjoy a blend of buttery, nutty flavors with a touch of chocolatey indulgence. It’s ideal for serving at parties, gifting, or simply enjoying as a special homemade treat.
