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Monday, October 22, 2012

Celebrate NUT DAY! Walnut Rosemary Brittle

I know there have been several nut recipes this week, but it is due to the fact that today is National NUT Day, not crazy like me, but nuts, like walnut, pecans, etc.  so in celebration, here is another recipe for a nut treat!  This is a rich herbal flavored spin on a traditional item. 

These days I make less and less Peanut Brittle because those around me have allergies, but I find that walnuts seem to cause less sensitivity so now I make this Walnut Brittle instead.
The technique for brittle is the same as a traditional recipe.  You heat the sugar and water to a boil and let it boil until the sugar caramelizes to a perfect amber color.  I use those silicone baking sheets now rather than a buttered pan because the flexibility of the mat makes breaking and removing so much easier and less messy.

Walnut Rosemary Brittle
I use dried herbs for this, but for a more earthy flavor you can use fresh rosemary.  Add the fresh rosemary at the very last moment so it does not loose its green color.
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
Pinch of cream of tartar
1 cup walnut halves
3/4 Tbls. dried rosemary
In a medium pot, combine sugar, water and cream of tartar.  Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.  Cover the pot and let boil approximately 5 minutes undisturbed.  Remove lid and examine color of the molten sugar.  When the mixture turns amber, quickly add the walnuts and rosemary, gently stirring to incorporate.  Pour brittle onto silicone mat or onto a buttered baking sheet.  Spread thin with a buttered spatula to achieve a glass like texture. 
For a special treat sprinkle sea salt crystals while candy is still warm for a sweet salty treat.

Also check out the Spicy Pecans we posted for the weekend recipe, Oct. 19, 2012

3 comments:

  1. Now you're talking Marcy. Love nuts and brittle and rosemary! Genius! xxoo Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Nancy! Hold onto your plants in the upcoming wind! Marcy

    ReplyDelete
  3. buttered spatula to achieve a glass like texture.
    For a special treat sprinkle sea salt crystals while candy is still warm for a sweet salty treat.

    ReplyDelete