Nuts Charamusca

I was asked to make a translation of this recipe that was found online, and it is a sweet treat for both groups of kids. Kids in small bodies and kids in adult bodies. Piloncillo. also know by the name of Panela or Rapadura, is a hard block of brown sweet that results from the refining process of sugar. I guess that brown sugar would be a good substitute if you can´t find the real thing. If you can look it up in Mexican or Colombian Food Stores, Centralamerican Food Stuffs might carry it too.

• Ready In: 17 mins
• Yields: 10-20 pieces

Ingredients

• 2  cups  piloncillo
• 2  cups white sugar
• 3  tablespoons butter
• 2  tablespoons  chopped  nuts
• 1  wax paper

Directions

1. Grate the Piloncillo with a normal cheese grater until you get the two cups. If you don´t have Piloncillo use the brown sugar.
2. In a saucepan on a low temperature melt the first three ingredients stirring constantly with wooden spoon.
3. Let it boil for aproximately 7 minutes or until a tough string of caramel is formed when you lift the spoon up . Remove from heat.
4. Grease a long mold and pour the caramel trying to have it cover the whole mold trying to extend the mixture as far as you can. Meanwhile lubricate your hands with a little butter.
5. When the mixture begins to cooldown , fold the corners towards the center trying not break them. As soon as the temperature pemits it try to form a ball with the caramel.
6. Divide into several chunks, stretch and roll it a few times.
7. Stretching it out several times before it cools, then dust with chopped nut. (the recipe doesn't specify which type of nuts. Almonds, Macadamians etc will work).
8. Finally, give them a little twist to give it their "typical" form. They will look like a licorice stick only wider. A spiral staircase.
9. Wrap each one in the waxed paper.
10. Enjoy!