If you're looking to spice up your snack game, this Spicy Honey Almond Brittle is just the ticket. It's a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining sweet, crunchy, and spicy in every bite. Perfect for gifting or just enjoying yourself!
Granulated sugar is the sweet base of the brittle, giving it its classic candy crunch. Honey adds a rich, floral sweetness and helps keep the brittle slightly chewy instead of rock hard. Water is used to dissolve the sugar and helps with even cooking. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. Cayenne pepper adds the spicy kick that makes this brittle stand out. The star of the show, whole almonds, provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Butter adds a touch of richness and helps with the texture. Vanilla extract gives depth and warmth to the flavor profile. Finally, baking soda is the secret to a light, airy texture by introducing small air bubbles into the brittle.
For a sophisticated snack platter, pair this brittle with a selection of cheeses — the spicy-sweet flavors complement aged cheddar or gouda beautifully. It's also a delightful topping for ice cream or yogurt, adding texture and flavor. For a festive touch, wrap the pieces in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
Let's start by preparing your baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper and set it aside; this helps prevent the brittle from sticking once it cools. Next, grab a large saucepan and combine the granulated sugar, honey, water, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir these over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. You'll want to keep an eye on it, making sure everything is well-mixed.
Now, increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil. This is where you'll need your candy thermometer; let the mixture reach 300°F — that's the hard crack stage. Stir occasionally to keep things moving, but not too much, or you might introduce air bubbles prematurely.
Once you hit 300°F, remove the saucepan from the heat promptly and stir in the almonds, butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Work quickly here — the mixture will start to set fast. Pour it immediately onto your prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Let the brittle cool completely, which usually takes about 30 minutes. Once it's set, break it into pieces. You can store these in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.
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