cashew clusters - is this too simple to expect good results? I'd love for it to be this easy!

[emtd]

Cook 1 1/2 cups sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling the pan but not stirring, until dark amber, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons butter and 3 cups salted cashews. Pour onto an oiled baking sheet and separate into small clusters with 2 forks. Let harden.

Recipe courtesy of Food Network Magazine

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/cashew-clusters.html?oc=linkback

 

[joe]

That's how I make peanut brittle (but with more sugar in proportion to nuts.

It really is that easy but you have to work very fast. The caramel hardens quickly. Maybe the butter will slow it down, but I don't know by how much.

I always add water to the sugar (1:3, or 1/2 cup in this case) It takes longer to evaporate and caramelize but I think it helps prevent the sugar syrup from crystalizing. But either way, just don't stir, and keep an eye on the color. Let us know how it turns out!

 

[karennoca]

No reason for it not to be delicious, especially if you can get some really flavorful cashews and

good butter. Go for it, sounds yummy. I don't know how it is done but some brittle is so tough it is bad for your teeth. I buy a jalapeno/peanut beer brittle made locally and she has the perfect brittle...easy to bite and chew and I don't worry about my teeth. It is softer somehow.

 

[emtd]

Thank you both for the suggestions. I will give it a try

tomorrow and will add the water.

I appreciate the help.

Betty

 

[lana-in-fl]

Cynthia's cashew brittle is also easy - in the microwave! Works really well!

Posted by Cynthia

REC: Cashew Crunch

This is from Women's Day magazine, 6.28.88,
1 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. light or dark corn syrup
1 c. cashew nut halves
1 tsp. butter or margarine
1 tsp.vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
Line a cookie sheet with foil, lightly grease or coat with cooking spray. Have a greased spatula ready. Mix sugar and corn syrup in a 1 1/2 to 2 qt. glass measure. Microwave on HIGH 4-5 min. until sugar dissolves and mixture is bubbling. Stir in cashews, microwave 3-5 min. more until mixture is a med. golden color. Stir in butter and vanilla until butter melts. Add baking soda, stirring thoroughly until mixture is foamy. Immediately pour onto prepared cookie sheet and spread with greased spatula to 1/4" thickness. Let stand 1 hr. until completely cool. Peel candy off foil; break into chunks. Store in airtight container. Makes about 1 lb. (This was made in a 650-watt oven. If your microwave has a different wattage, you will need to adjust.) It doesn't say, but the nuts should be unsalted. Hope this is what you are looking for. Enjoy!

 

[emtd]

Thank you as well. I just have salted cashews at this point.

I'll keep this recipe though for the next opportunity.

Betty

 

[emtd]

Well I wasn't really happy with how they turned out. They're

much prettier in the picture. I did add the water and Joe you were correct the sugar did not crystallize. But really they just taste like cashews surrounded with sugar. I'll stick with the cashew macadamia crunch square from this site.
Again - thanks for the help.

Betty