Ingredients:
- 1 cup of almonds, roughly chopped
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
Instructions:
1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with butter.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, water, vanilla extract, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Once the mixture comes to a boil, add the chopped almonds. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches the hard crack stage. This typically takes about 10-12 minutes. To test if it’s ready, carefully drop a small amount of the mixture into a glass of cold water. If it hardens right away and cracks when you try to bend it, it’s ready.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda. Be careful as the mixture will bubble up. Stir until the baking soda is evenly incorporated.
5. Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Work quickly, as the mixture will begin to harden shortly after being removed from the heat.
6. Allow the almond brittle to cool completely at room temperature. This will typically take around 1-2 hours. Once cooled and hardened, you can break it into small, bite-sized pieces.
7. Store the almond brittle in an airtight container to keep it fresh and preserve its crunchiness. It should last for about 2-3 weeks, but let’s be honest, it probably won’t last that long!
Now that you know how to make almond brittle, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to the test. Whip up a batch for your next gathering, or simply treat yourself to this delightful homemade treat. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and the rich nutty flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Happy cooking!