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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.
- 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
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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.
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Combine sugar, and corn syrup in the microwave-safe bowl prepared in step 1.
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Cook for 3 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir.
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Cook for another 3 minutes. Remove from microwave, add cashews and curry powder and stir.
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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.
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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.
*I buy the cans that are labeled halves and pieces. They're less expensive than halves. I really like the ones with sea salt.
Karen C says
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?
Maureen, Milwaukee says
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 "!
Iris Collinge says
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!,
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Actually, the curry in your brittle sounds just irresistible! Love this unexpected twist!
Lisa (AuthenticSuburbanGourmet) says
One of my most favorite handmade candies is brittle. Love the addition of the curry - so perfect! Happy holidays to you and your family!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
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!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
Do you have my address?? This is insanely creative and I can just imagine how good your kitchen smelled while this was cooking!
cheri says
Hi Chris, I am making this as soon as I pick up some cashews at Trader Joe's, absolutely love this, another home run!
Marigene says
Sounds delicious, Chris! Cashews are my favorite nut...and I love curry...can't wait to try this.
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
What a fabulous combination of flavors, never thought of this, I am sure it's fabulous!!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
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!
Easyfoodsmith says
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.
Katarina says
This is a great idea! Greetings from Singapore!
Patty says
Sounds wonderful to me Chris! Looks beautiful....great gift idea and lovely packaging. Thanks for your inspiration 😉
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
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
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
I'd give anything a try that came out of your kitchen - Scott is one lucky guy!
Catherine says
A great idea. I love the spice with the sweet. xo Catherine
Monique says
I bet it's great~
Love the gingerbread man ribbon!
Lynn says
I've really been enjoying curry and bets it's great in this candy! I hope to give it a try soon:@)
Liz says
What a fabulous twist on peanut brittle! I actually prefer cashews and the curry adds a certain, irresistible je nais se quoi....so yummy!
Alicia (foodycat) says
These sound amazing!
Jenna says
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!
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon says
Sounds delicious, looks delicious and I swear Scott is sounding more and more like Jeffrey Garten. 🙂
Ilona @ Ilona's Passion says
Great present for Christmas:) Delicious! Can I have one?
Ginny Hartzler says
I can see where the curry would really add a good taste...you just think of everything!!!