Hot Chile Cashew Brittle

Submitted by Elly in Canada

"A nut brittle with a difference! I can't wait to try this recipe!! Hot chile! Great for gifts! Can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. On a heat scale this nut brittle is medium, you can adjust the heat to your own tastes. Now I have to find green chile powder!!!"

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 7
• Yields: 4 cups

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon green chili powder
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder
• 2 cups cashew nuts, toasted

directions

1. Using a cookie sheet with sides, grease with oil and set aside.
2. Combine the sugar, water, cream of tartar and chile powders in a saucepan.
3. Cook the mixture over high heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon, until it turns a light golden colour ( approximately 10-12 minutes).
4. Be very careful working with this caramel as it is extremely HOT!
5. Brush down the sides of the pan twice with a pastry brush dipped in water to prevent the mixture from crystallizing.
6. While stirring, add the cashews.
7. When nuts are completely coated, remove the caramel from the heat and pour onto the cookie sheet, spreading it out with the spoon. Do this step as quickly as possible because the candy sets up fast!
8. Allow brittle to cool 30 minutes.
9. Break into pieces with your hands. Store in an airtight containers.
10. An important note: Red chile powder is made from hot red chiles that have been dried and ground. Do not confuse chile powder with chili powder, the common spice used to make chili.
11. Source: Chile Pepper magazine.