What You’ll Need
- 200 grams of mixed nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios work well)
- 200 grams of granulated sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Step 1: Prepare the Nuts
Start by roughly chopping the nuts. You don’t want them to be too fine, as the crunch is an essential part of croccante’s appeal.
Step 2: Heat the Sugar
In a saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar starts to melt and turn into a golden caramel color. Be careful not to burn it!
Step 3: Add the Nuts
Once the sugar has caramelized, add the chopped nuts and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously to coat the nuts evenly with the caramel.
Step 4: Incorporate Butter and Honey
Next, add the unsalted butter and honey to the pan. Continue stirring until the butter has melted and everything is well combined.
Step 5: Spread and Cool
Quickly transfer the caramelized nut mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out into an even layer.
Step 6: Allow to Set
Leave the croccante to cool at room temperature until it hardens completely. This may take around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the thickness of the layer.
Step 7: Break into Pieces
Once the croccante has hardened, gently break it into small, bite-sized pieces. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for later.
Now that you know the secrets to making the perfect crunchy croccante, you can impress your friends and family with this delightful Italian treat. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone snack or use it to elevate your desserts, croccante is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and indulge in the irresistible combination of caramelized sugar and crunchy nuts!