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I know, I know this recipe sounds a little ... odd. Right? I mean really, curry in candy? But before you write off this recipe and click on over to another site, let me just share a bit about this unbelievably delicious candy...
Scott and I were sitting in front of the fire one chilly morning this past week. He was checking out the latest news on his iPad and I was looking through a pile of recipes I'd recently torn from magazines. One of the recipes that had intrigued me enough to tear it out was from Bon Appetit; Golden Cashew Curry Brittle. It sounded interesting but when I read the recipe it sounded sort of fussy; requiring a candy thermometer and the potential for the sugar crystalizing if not handled right. Not really something I wanted to explore at this time of the year when time is at a premium.
Suddenly, I had an idea. I remembered an old standby, super-simple, never-fail recipe for microwave peanut brittle. I jumped up, ran into the kitchen and started pulling out a few ingredients; sugar, corn syrup, cashews, butter and baking soda. Oh yeah, and curry.
Ten minutes later, Scott called out from the living room; "What in the world are you making out there that smells so good?
"Surprise!", I yelled back.
"Oh come on, tell me!"
"Nope!" I wasn't sure I was going to have success with this crazy idea, so I thought it best to hold off.
Five minutes later, (honestly, the whole process from start to finish takes less than 20 minutes), I was handing him a beautiful piece of cashew brittle. "What is it?" he asked.
"Easy Cashew Brittle" (I didn't tell him the curry part). He took one bite and his eyes lit up, "Wow, that's fantastic!".
That's what I thought too. And we weren't the only ones.
Since then, I've made six batches, getting the recipe just right for you. Of course, I couldn't keep all of that delicious candy around the house so I've been passing it out here, there and everywhere.
And everyone who's tried it has given rave reviews; even the peanut brittle aficionados that I happen to know.
Curry adds a wonderful, almost imperceptible depth of flavor in combination with the other ingredients. But it's there, and it's fun and it's super delicious.
So if you have twenty minutes to spare, whip up a batch of this amazing, sweet confection. Don't tell anyone the name till they've take a bite. Then they'll be sold and it won't matter what you call it!
P.S. This makes wonderful little gifts for friends, neighbors, teachers, etc.
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Curry Cashew Brittle
Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- 1 cup roasted, salted cashew halves*
- ¾ teaspoon mild curry powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Spray a heat-resistant spatula with cooking spray. Spray the lip of a microwave-safe (at least 2 quart) bowl with cooking spray.
- Combine sugar, and corn syrup in the microwave-safe bowl prepared in step 1.
- Cook for 3 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir.
- Cook for another 3 minutes. Remove from microwave, add cashews and curry powder and stir.
- Return to microwave and cook for another two minutes. Remove from microwave and add butter and vanilla. Stir until butter is completely incorporated. Add baking soda and stir to combine. The mixture will foam up. Quickly pour mixture out onto prepared sheet pan and spread as thin as possible using prepared knife.
- Allow to cool slightly. While still hot, but cool enough to handle, stretch candy out a bit thinner. Allow to cool completely then break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
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Hello,
Here a Dutch follower. Really glad I found your site.
I couldn't find the metric recipe for the cashew curry brittles. Did I overlook something?
Keep on inspiring us.
Nanette
Hi Nanette, thanks for your kind words.
This recipe is older, from back in the days when I wasn't doing metric conversations. I have updated the recipe for the Metric. If you come across any other recipes that don't have the conversion, just let me know and I can add it! ENJOY!
I decided to try hesting the baking sheet and it worked beautifully!
Awesome! Thanks for the update, Diane!
Will the technique that you use for your pumpkin spice pecan brittle (heating the baking sheet in the oven while the caramel cooks) work for getting this brittle super thin? I absolutely love the pecan brittle and wondered if that technique would work with this brittle as well. It sounds so delicious.
My nephew likes cashews and this looks like the perfect gift for him during the holidays. Thank you!
I would love your free printable labels, too.
Thank you so much!
Marty
Hi Marty, unfortunately we do not have labels for this recipe at this time.
This combination sounds great, I will be making it this holidays!
Enjoy, Monica!
Pardon my confusion; I’m a little slow sometimes. “Spray the lip” of the bowl? Don’t spray the interior of the bowl, just the lip? If so, why?
Thanks!
Hi Curtis, it's just so the brittle doesn't stick to the lip when you pour it out. Hope you enjoy it!
I tried this recipe this afternoon and my brittle seems a little burned. Since it's a microwave recipe, it's hard to know how to adjust it. Maybe try cooking it for 2-1/2 minutes each time instead of 3? Also, the recipe calls for roasted cashews. Did you roast your cashews before you used it in the brittle or did you use it straight from the can? Even a little burned, it tastes really good, so I can only imagine how good it would be if it weren't burned!
Hi Penny,
Thanks for sharing your review. Microwaves are so different in strength. I thought mine had a lot of power but yours might be even stronger. Yes, I think reducing the time would definitely help. Hope you try it again!
I made these to bring as a hostess gift and it was delicious and easy to make.
Thanks, Claire! That makes me happy 🙂
I made this twice. I followed the recipe exact the first time. It seemed overcooked a tad. I went to your original pecan recipe and followed that (just sugar and corn syrup, omitting the brown sugar). I added 1 3/4 cup cashew halves and 1 tsp of curry. Absolutely fabulous. Thanks for the wonderful recipes and ideas.
You're so welcome Staci! Great innovating!
I would have loved to be in the vicinity of here, there, and everywhere to get a taste of this!
This is just delicious. I am putting it in a loot bag along with your pineapple orange marmalade and 2 hand knitted dish cloths for my dinner party guests on Friday. Your recipes rock! Thanks for being so creative and sharing. All the best
to you and your family for the holidays. I look forward to many more inspired treats and recipes!
Toni
Just wondering, I don't have corn syrup (could get some I guess) but I do have agave, would it make a good substitute do you think.
Yes, curry does sound odd but in a good way -- an interesting way. One bite and your guests all wonder what it is that makes it so special.
Chris, I love the easy recipe, and appreciate the time you take to make sure your readers get a good recipe. Where did you find that beautiful pedestle dish?
Read your story and recipe with much interest - I just tried some Xmas cookies made with "sweet curry powder". Everyone ate them first off the cookie platter, and no one could guess what the spices were-a great taste. Three Wisemen's Treasures were the winners of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's cookie contest this year and worth trying. I'm keeping this brittle recipe to try- now that I know what a wonderful flavor curry powder offers in sweet recipes-oddly, very "Chistmassy "!
Thanks for posting your version of this brittle. The recipe in BA calls for just 1/3 cup sugar and 1/4 cup corn syrup. I made it tonight, twice, and wasn't thrilled with the results. I'm going to try your version and hope the third time will be a charm. Happy Holidays!,
Actually, the curry in your brittle sounds just irresistible! Love this unexpected twist!
One of my most favorite handmade candies is brittle. Love the addition of the curry - so perfect! Happy holidays to you and your family!
Chris: You have no idea how happy I am. I love both cashews and brittle... This recipe is easy and comes with a spin: Curry powder!!! Yes, these make great food gifts for friends and teachers. Pinned!
Do you have my address?? This is insanely creative and I can just imagine how good your kitchen smelled while this was cooking!
Hi Chris, I am making this as soon as I pick up some cashews at Trader Joe's, absolutely love this, another home run!
Sounds delicious, Chris! Cashews are my favorite nut...and I love curry...can't wait to try this.
What a fabulous combination of flavors, never thought of this, I am sure it's fabulous!!
I just added cashews to my shopping delivery for tomorrow. Shall I take that as a sign? This looks way too interesting not to try!
I never get tired of munching on brittles. The curried one sounds so good and you rightly said, they are wonderful gifts to give away.
This is a great idea! Greetings from Singapore!
Sounds wonderful to me Chris! Looks beautiful....great gift idea and lovely packaging. Thanks for your inspiration 😉
Not at all odd, Chris. I love spices in sweet treats..made some curry (instead of cinnamon) walnuts before and they were really great. Can't wait to try your brittle recipe!
Ciao,
Angie
I'd give anything a try that came out of your kitchen - Scott is one lucky guy!
A great idea. I love the spice with the sweet. xo Catherine
I bet it's great~
Love the gingerbread man ribbon!
I've really been enjoying curry and bets it's great in this candy! I hope to give it a try soon:@)
What a fabulous twist on peanut brittle! I actually prefer cashews and the curry adds a certain, irresistible je nais se quoi....so yummy!
These sound amazing!
Curry is one of those things I tend to avoid because I "think" I don't like it...I don't know if I've ever really tried it, but you have SOLD me on this recipe! I do understand how it can add a depth of flavor without screaming curry, just a little mystery! This sounds like a great treat and gift and boy do I need some fast and easy ones! I will give it a try tomorrow, and I'm with you, no fussy recipes or candy thermometers please!! Thanks Chris!
Sounds delicious, looks delicious and I swear Scott is sounding more and more like Jeffrey Garten. 🙂
Great present for Christmas:) Delicious! Can I have one?
I can see where the curry would really add a good taste...you just think of everything!!!