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Caramel Crunch

When making the caramel in step 2, keep an eye on your pan; the best indicator that the caramel is ready is appearance, not cooking time. Just before the syrup reaches the desired color, remove it from the heat; the caramel will continue cooking for a few more seconds.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients

2 cups toasted, sliced almonds (5 1/2 ounces)
1/2 cup water
2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Spread almonds on parchment paper to form a 9 x 12-inch rectangle.

    Step 2

    Make the caramel: Pour the water into a medium heavy-bottom saucepan. Add the sugar and salt. Cook over medium heat, gently stirring occasionally, until the syrup is clear.

    Step 3

    Continue cooking, without stirring, until the syrup comes to a boil, washing down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush 2 or 3 times to prevent crystals from forming. Let the syrup boil, gently swirling the pan occasionally, until medium amber. Remove from heat and set the pan in the ice-water bath to stop the cooking.

    Step 4

    Pour the caramel over the almonds to cover. Let cool until hardened. Peel off the parchment; break the brittle into pieces.

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Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group. Buy the full book from Amazon.
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