Ingredients
- Spritz of cooking spray
- One cup of almonds, split in half
- Two cups of firmly packed brown sugar
- One cup of rich maple syrup
- Half a cup of chilled butter
- One cup of chocolate chips (if desired)
Step 1
Prepare the baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and giving it a light mist of cooking spray. Keep aside 2 tablespoons of almonds and scatter the remaining ones evenly over the foil.
Step 2
In a 2-quart saucepan, mix brown sugar and maple syrup over medium heat. Stir and cook until the sugar dissolves and the mixture transforms into a caramel delight, reaching a full boil after about 10 minutes.
Step 3
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Once it reaches the desired temperature, turn it off and place the prepared baking sheet inside to warm up.
Step 4
Secure a candy thermometer to the saucepan containing the caramel concoction. Add butter and cook, stirring sporadically, until the mixture hits 300 degrees F (149 degrees C) or forms a hard, brittle strand when a bit is dropped into ice water. This process usually takes around 20 minutes.
Step 5
Take out the baking sheet from the oven and promptly pour the caramel mixture over the almonds. Spread it out evenly, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Sprinkle the reserved almonds and chocolate chips over any uncovered areas. Once the chocolate melts, spread it evenly. Allow the brittle to cool entirely, which typically takes at least 30 minutes. Finally, break it into delectable pieces to enjoy.
Extra Tips & Suggestions
- 1. Keep your Crunchy Maple Nut Confection in an airtight container to preserve its crunchiness and prevent it from becoming stale.
- 2. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its flavor and quality.
- 3. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator as the moisture can cause the nuts to lose their crunch.
