Winter Brittle

Here’s a cozy, festive Winter Brittle recipe perfect for gifting or snacking during the colder months. This brittle combines classic caramel crunch with warm winter spices and nuts, offering a sweet, spiced, and toasty treat.

❄️ Winter Spiced Nut Brittle

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup light corn syrup

• ¼ cup water

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1½ cups mixed nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, or cashews work great)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• Pinch of ground cloves or allspice (optional, for extra warmth)

• 1 tsp baking soda

Instructions:

1. Prep the Pan:

   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lightly grease it.

   • Measure all ingredients ahead of time—once the sugar starts cooking, things move quickly.

2. Cook the Sugar Mixture:

   • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt.

   • Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and allow it to boil.

3. Add the Nuts:

   • When the mixture reaches about 280°F (soft crack stage, use a candy thermometer), stir in the nuts.

   • Continue cooking until it hits 300°F (hard crack stage), and the mixture is golden amber.

4. Finish the Brittle:

   • Remove from heat and immediately stir in butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda. It will foam up—this is normal and helps give the brittle its light texture.

5. Spread & Cool:

   • Quickly pour the mixture onto the prepared pan and spread it out as thin as possible using a greased spatula.

   • Let cool completely (about 30 minutes), then break into pieces.

🎁 Tips & Variations:

• Chocolate-dipped brittle: Drizzle or dip pieces in dark chocolate once cooled.

• Citrus twist: Add 1 tsp of finely grated orange zest with the spices for a holiday touch.

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks—don’t refrigerate (humidity will soften it).