California Brittle Recipes

SHORECOOK'S CASHEW BRITTLE

Steps:

• Grease a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon butter.
• Combine cashews, sugar, and corn syrup in a large microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl. Microwave on high until sugar melts and mixture is hot, about 6 1/2 minutes.
• Stir 1 tablespoon butter and vanilla extract into cashew mixture. Microwave until hot, about 2 1/2 minutes more. Stir baking soda into cashew mixture until light and foamy. Spread mixture on prepared baking sheet. Cool completely and break into pieces.

SUGAR BRITTLE

Steps:

• Heat a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts, about 5 minutes. Pour the sugar onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and allow to cool, 5 to 10 minutes (sugar will be hot). When cool enough to handle, crumble into small pieces.

CALIFORNIA BLTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Place a baking wire rack on a sheet pan and arrange the bacon on the rack in a single layer. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, until the bacon is browned and crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
• Place the bread slices on a sheet pan and toast them for 5 minutes. Turn the slices and toast for 1 more minute, until all the bread is evenly browned. Place 2 slices on a cutting board. Spread each slice with about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise. Cover the slices with a layer of lettuce. Peel the avocado and slice it 1/2-inch thick. Toss the avocado slices gently with the lemon juice, and arrange on top of the lettuce leaves. Place 3 slices of bacon on top of each sandwich and then add a layer of tomato slices on top of the bacon. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper.
• Spread each of the remaining 2 slices of toasted bread with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise and place, mayonnaise side down, on the sandwiches. Cut in half and serve.

BASIC BRITTLE

Steps:

• Coat a 12-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet withcooking spray. Bring sugar and corn syrup to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring and brushing down sides with a wet pastry brush to prevent sugar crystals from forming, until sugar dissolves. Cook,swirling occasionally, until mixture just starts to turn golden around edge.
• Stir in mix-ins. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is pale amber, about 8 minutes. Pour onto baking sheet without spreading. Let cool. Break into pieces.

PECAN BRITTLE

Steps:

• Cook first 3 ingredients in a medium size heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture starts to boil.
• Boil without stirring 5 minutes or until a candy thermometer reaches 310 degrees.
• Add pecans, and cook 2 - 3 more minutes or to 280°F (mixture should be golden brown).
• Remove from heat, and stir in butter and remaining ingredients.
• Pour mixture onto a metal surface or onto a shallow pan.
• Allow to stand 5 minutes or until hardened.
• Break into pieces.
• * If you'd like you can also add popcorn.
• Prepare brittle as directed.
• Stir in 1 cup popped popcorn before pouring into pan.