Chocolate-Covered Almond Brittle

                           

 Something delicious is cooking!

One thing I’ve been doing is making a few little food-gift items for friends.  This morning I made one of my favorite candies for this time of year, chocolate-covered Almond Brittle from page 132 of Vineyard Seasons.  SO easy, and perfectly irresistible ~ and very mailable . .  I thought I’d show you how, in case you have a last minute someone you’d like to please . . . . But first, more MUSICA for the kitchen dance . . .

So all you do is (don’t blink because this recipe is really fast!) put one pound of butter and two cups of sugar in a large heavy pot on top of your stove.

then pour in one-quarter cup of water . . .  hook a candy thermometer to the side of the pan . . . don’t let the tip touch the bottom.

 

Melt the butter together with the sugar and the water over medium-high heat . . . boil mixture briskly until your candy thermometer reads 300°.

 

Stir and stir, boil and boil, and while you do you can count your blessings and . . .

watch the birds and stir a little more . . .

 

The mixture will cook and darken like brittle should.  When it reaches the “crack” hard candy stage on your candy thermometer, 300°, remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in two cups of sliced almonds.

Then spread the mixture thinly on an ungreased (plenty of butter already in the recipe) cookie sheet (or two) and allow it to cool.

When the brittle is almost cool, melt eight ounces unsweetened chocolate over low heat in a heavy pan, stirring constantly.

Then brush the warm chocolate over the top of the candy.  Let it cool completely before you

break it up into pieces (I hit the bottom of the pan with a hammer to put hairline cracks in it all over, then I do the rest with a knife).

. . . and then I fill the tins and boxes I’ve collected to use for Christmas gifts . . . old ones and new ones from the pantry . . .

I had this darling box that I lined in a lace doily,  and I knew the perfect person to give it to. . .

12 Responses to Chocolate-Covered Almond Brittle

  1. Mary Lou Cummings says:

    Just completed my first attempt at making candy by using this wonderful almond brittle recipe! Had to find just the right pot, but everything else was a snap. Broke it up to pack for give-aways and some to keep. How yummy and addictive once you sample the first piece– just heavenly. Even posted a few photos on my FB page for my friends to see.Thanks, Susan!

  2. Ann Jane Koerber says:

    Must try this! However, do not have a candy thermometer…….Going to the Williamsburg General Store in western MA……..am sure they’ll have one. Thanks Susan!

  3. Sharon Hermens says:

    Me! You made it for me!?. Just kidding. I haven’t made candy in a long time. This looks like a winner. Thanks, Susan.

  4. kathleen says:

    You are the best !! I’ll make this and eat the whole thing myself. Forget calories
    it’s Christmas. xo

  5. Kay Bennett says:

    That looks sooo good! I just finished making pecan pralines. This recipe will add to the Christmas treats for friends and family. I may try milk chocolate topping. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas🎄❣️

  6. Jane Franks says:

    Thank you, Susan! I was out of ideas and need a couple of quick gifts. I have saved tins! This is it!! 🙂 xo

  7. Susan Moss says:

    Has been my favorite and only candy recipe since I bought your cookbook (many!) years ago! Always such a favorite! Thank you for making us look good!! 💕

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