Burnt sugar candies

Burnt sugar candies - a sweet like home

Who doesn't remember the sweet aroma of childhood, when every moment of indulgence was celebrated with a little delicacy? Burnt sugar candies are undoubtedly one of those pleasant memories that make us feel good in our skin. These crunchy delights, with an intense taste of caramel and roasted nuts, are a perfect choice to bring a smile to anyone's face. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step in preparing these delicious candies, also providing you with some useful tips along the way.

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10-15 minutes
Number of servings: 12 candies

Ingredients

- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 handfuls of roasted nuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 2 tablespoons of water

Preparing burnt sugar candies

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Make sure the nuts are roasted before using them. They can be roasted in a pan over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Roasted nuts add a deep flavor and crunchy texture to the candies, so don't skip this step!

2. Caramelizing the sugar
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the 10 tablespoons of sugar. Place it over medium heat and stir occasionally. It's important not to rush the process to avoid burning the sugar. You will know the sugar is ready when it turns golden and its sweet aroma intensifies.

3. Adding water and butter
When the sugar has reached a golden hue, carefully add the 2 tablespoons of water. Be cautious, as it will steam and be very hot. Stir well to eliminate any solidified sugar crystals. Once homogenized, add 1 tablespoon of butter and continue stirring until the butter is completely melted and incorporated into the caramel.

4. Incorporating the nuts
Now, add the roasted nuts to the caramel mixture. Stir quickly to coat the nuts with caramel. This is the time to work fast, as the caramel starts to harden quickly!

5. Shaping the candies
Prepare a platter or plate and grease it well with oil to prevent sticking. Take a spoon (also greased with oil) and form small balls from the caramel and nut mixture. Place them on the plate and let them cool.

6. Cooling and enjoying
The burnt sugar candies will harden quickly, so it's important to turn them occasionally on the platter to prevent sticking. Be careful, as the caramel is hot and can cause burns! Let them cool completely before enjoying. A trick I learned is that if you let them sit until the next day, they become even more delicious, as they will soften just enough not to break your teeth.

Useful tips

1. Try other nuts: If you want to experiment, you can replace the nuts with roasted almonds or hazelnuts. Each variation brings a distinct flavor and texture.
2. Storing the candies: These keep best in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid keeping them in the fridge, as moisture can affect the texture.
3. Serve with a warm drink: These candies pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, providing a pleasant contrast between the sweet taste and the bitterness of hot drinks.

Nutritional notes

Although burnt sugar candies are a sweet snack, it's good to know that they contain sugar and calories. One serving (1 candy) has about 100-120 calories, depending on the amount of nuts used and the size of the serving. The nuts provide nutritional benefits, being rich in healthy fats, proteins, and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will give a deeper flavor and a darker color to the caramel.

How can I avoid burning the sugar?
Constant stirring and using a heavy-bottomed saucepan helps distribute heat evenly.

Why does the caramel harden?
Caramel hardens when it cools, so it's important to shape the candies as quickly as possible after adding the nuts.

What other recipes can these candies be combined with?
These candies can be paired with simple cakes, cookies, or even vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! These burnt sugar candies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a tribute to childhood memories. Enjoy every bite and savor their goodness!