California Almond Brittle

Recipe

California Almond Brittle

Golden Crunch: California Almond Brittle

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of California Almond Brittle, a delightful twist on the traditional Spanish Peladillas. This recipe combines the rich flavors of locally sourced almonds with the golden hues of California sunshine, creating a crunchy treat that captures the essence of California cuisine.

Jan Dec
Dessert› Peladillas
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Spanish cuisine
Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine› Western American cuisine› Cuisine of California› California cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

25 minutes

Yields

8 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Vegan (if using plant-based butter)

Allergens

Almonds

Not suitable for

Nut-free, Paleo

Ingredients

This California adaptation of Peladillas replaces the traditional Spanish almonds with locally sourced California almonds, adding a distinct nutty flavor that is characteristic of the region. The recipe also incorporates the use of butter, which enhances the richness and adds a creamy note to the brittle. Additionally, the California Almond Brittle is cooked to a slightly darker golden color, giving it a deeper caramelized flavor. We alse have the original recipe for Peladillas, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 18g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. 2.
    In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, water, and sea salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
  3. 3.
    Add the California almonds to the saucepan and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches a golden brown color and the almonds are evenly coated.
  4. 4.
    Quickly pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
  5. 5.
    Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature until hardened.
  6. 6.
    Once cooled, break the brittle into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • California almonds — Make sure to use fresh and high-quality almonds for the best flavor and texture. Toasting the almonds before adding them to the mixture can enhance their nutty taste.

Tips & Tricks

  • Be cautious when working with hot sugar mixtures as they can cause severe burns. Use oven mitts and handle with care.
  • If you prefer a softer texture, cook the mixture to a lighter golden color. For a more caramelized and crunchy brittle, cook it to a slightly darker golden color.
  • Experiment with adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled brittle for additional flavor variations.

Serving advice

Serve the California Almond Brittle as a standalone treat or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It also makes for a lovely homemade gift when packaged in a decorative tin or jar.

Presentation advice

Arrange the broken pieces of brittle on a serving platter, allowing their golden color to shine. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few extra toasted almonds for an elegant touch.

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