Nut Brittle Recipe Packed with Mixed Nuts

Even a novice candy maker can create this nut brittle recipe as all you need is a well-watched candy thermometer. This treat, being a much-loved holiday tradition, is always welcomed when your guests arrive with it as a gift.

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Nut Brittle is one of the most wonderful creations using boiled sugar. I found a recipe on Food & Wine website titled the "Best-Ever Nut Brittle" and I have to admit that after making it I agree with the author's title. The recipe is quite similar to most except it uses a little more butter. The brittle is a perfect crack and the extra butter seems to add some 'creaminess' to it.  I used an extra 2 ounces of nuts than the recipe calls for - the most important part about nut brittle is the nuts (the extra 2 ounces consisted of shelled pistachios for extra color).

Package the nut brittle in a cellophane bag tied with a pretty bow when giving as a gift. Sugar is crazy hydroscopic and and since this candy is made with a lot of sugar you want to keep humidity away from it.

Tips for Making the Nut Brittle

Whenever boiling sugar one should use caution as mishaps can lead to injury. I suggest watching my step-by-step video before embarking on this recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • Measure your ingredients and prepare your work area before starting this recipe. It will take some time for the caramel to reach the 'hard-crack stage (300°) but everything moves fast after this.
  • Use a mixture of salted, roasted nuts of your choice - almonds, pecans, pistachios, peanuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts, etc...
• Prepare Pan to Cool Brittle:
  • You have a few options for preparing a pan to pour the brittle onto for cooling:
    • Place a Silpat or other heat-proof mat on a 9" x 13" baking sheet.
    • Lightly butter a 9" x 13" baking sheet.
    • Place a piece of parchment paper on a 9" x 13" baking sheet.
• Making the Brittle:
  • The caramel will be heated to 300° Fahrenheit - obviously if this caramel comes in contact with your skin it can cause severe burns. Please use the utmost caution while making this recipe. Some people prefer to work with oven mitts when making.
  • Combine granulated sugar, water, butter and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed sauce pan.
  • Begin heating over medium-high heat stirring occasionally until the mixture begins to boil.
  • Take care to not get granules of sugar on the side of the pan. This may cause the caramel to crystalize. Should this occur, wipe the inside of the pan with a clean brush dipped in cold water to remove any sugar crystals.
  • Continue to cook until the caramel reaches 300°. This will take 8 - 12 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, add the baking soda and stir briefly. Use caution as the caramel may sputter.
  • Add the nuts and stir quickly to ensure all nuts are coated with the caramel.
  • Working quickly, pour the mixture onto a Silpat or other heat-resistant surface. Smooth the mixture with a spatula.
  • Cool the nut brittle completely (about 40 minutes) and break into pieces.

FAQs for the Nut Brittle: