Mixed Nut Brittle 🥜🍬
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful crunch of Mixed Nut Brittle, a tantalizing treat bursting with a medley of nuts and sweet caramelized goodness. Unlike traditional peanut brittle, this recipe elevates the experience with its diverse nut selection, offering a symphony of flavors in every bite. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or gifting during the festive season, this brittle promises to be a cherished favorite for all occasions.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 3/4 pounds
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter (for greasing)
- 3 cups assorted nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
Instructions:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare Baking Sheet: Begin by greasing a baking sheet with 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter, ensuring it’s evenly coated to prevent sticking. Set the prepared sheet aside for later use. |
| 2 | Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture occasionally until it reaches 270°F (soft-crack stage) on a candy thermometer. This process typically takes around 20-25 minutes. |
| 3 | Incorporate Nuts: Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, carefully add the assorted nuts to the saucepan. Stir continuously to ensure the nuts are evenly coated with the caramelizing sugar mixture. Continue cooking and stirring until the thermometer registers 300°F (hard-crack stage), indicating the mixture is ready. This step usually takes an additional 10-15 minutes. |
| 4 | Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat and swiftly stir in the vanilla extract along with the remaining butter. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated for a rich and flavorful brittle. |
| 5 | Incorporate Baking Soda: Sprinkle the baking soda over the nut mixture and stir vigorously. The baking soda will cause the mixture to foam slightly, resulting in a lighter and airier texture in the finished brittle. |
| 6 | Pour and Spread: Without delay, pour the hot brittle mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a buttered metal spatula to spread the mixture evenly to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch. Work quickly as the mixture will begin to set rapidly. |
| 7 | Cool and Break: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature until firm and solidified. Once cooled, break the brittle into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a kitchen mallet. |
| 8 | Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the brittle pieces on a serving platter or package them in decorative boxes for gifting. This irresistible Mixed Nut Brittle is ready to be savored and shared with friends and family. Enjoy the delightful combination of crunchy nuts and sweet caramel flavor with every delicious bite! |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 4819.4
- Total Fat: 317.4g
- Saturated Fat: 54g
- Cholesterol: 61mg
- Sodium: 5188.7mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 466.2g
- Dietary Fiber: 51.4g
- Sugar: 250.3g
- Protein: 99.1g
Tips:
- Use a variety of nuts for an enticing flavor profile. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews work well in this recipe.
- Keep a close eye on the temperature while cooking the sugar mixture to ensure it reaches the desired stages for brittle consistency.
- Work swiftly when spreading the hot brittle mixture onto the baking sheet as it sets quickly once removed from the heat.
- Allow the brittle to cool completely before breaking it into pieces to achieve clean, uniform results.
- Store any leftover brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispness and flavor.
Conclusion:
Elevate your snacking experience with this exquisite Mixed Nut Brittle recipe. With its irresistible combination of crunchy nuts, sweet caramelized sugar, and a hint of vanilla, this homemade brittle is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones. Whether enjoyed as a decadent treat for yourself or shared as a heartfelt gift during the holiday season, this brittle is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whip up a batch today and indulge in the ultimate blend of flavor and crunch!
