Brazilian Nut Crunch

Indulge in the Flavors of Brazil with Brazilian Nut Crunch Recipe

Region / culture: Brazil | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

The Brazilian Nut Crunch is a delightful treat that combines the rich, creamy texture of chocolate with the crunchy, nutty flavor of Brazil nuts. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the combination of textures and flavors in their desserts. It's a simple yet indulgent recipe that can be made with just a few ingredients, making it an ideal option for both novice and experienced bakers.

History

The Brazilian Nut Crunch has its roots in Brazil, where Brazil nuts are harvested. The recipe has evolved over time, incorporating ingredients like chocolate to appeal to a broader audience. It's a fusion of traditional Brazilian flavors with the universal love for chocolate, creating a dessert that's both unique and familiar.

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
0.25 tsp baking soda
1.5 cups ground brazil nuts
1 pack 6 oz (170 g) chocolate chips, melted to get 0.5 cup

How to prepare

Grease a baking sheet.
In a heavy skillet, cook the sugar over low heat, stirring constantly until it is melted.
Add soda and 1 cup of nuts.
Mix well.
Turn the mixture onto a baking sheet immediately.
Using a rolling pin, roll the brittle until it is about 0.25 inch thick.
Before the brittle cools, mark it into squares with a knife.
Once it is cold, spread chocolate over it and sprinkle the remaining nuts on top.
Once the chocolate is firm, break the brittle into pieces.

Variations

Consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture for a salted version, or mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract for added depth of flavor. For a nuttier taste, increase the amount of Brazil nuts to 2 cups.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Brazilian Nut Crunch turns out perfectly, here are a few tips:

- Use a candy thermometer to monitor the sugar as it melts to avoid burning.

- Grease your baking sheet well to prevent the brittle from sticking.

- Work quickly when spreading the mixture onto the baking sheet to ensure it doesn't harden prematurely.

- For a smoother chocolate layer, consider tempering the chocolate before spreading it over the brittle.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Brazilian Nut Crunch as a standalone treat with coffee or tea. It also makes a great addition to a dessert platter, offering a crunchy texture contrast to softer sweets.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the caramelization of sugar, which requires constant stirring and careful heat control to achieve the perfect golden color without burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Brazil nuts are unavailable, almonds or pecans make good substitutes. For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Make Ahead Tips

This dessert can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure the chocolate has fully set before storing.

Presentation Ideas

Break the brittle into irregular pieces for a rustic look, or cut into precise squares for a more elegant presentation. Drizzle with white chocolate for contrast.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Brazilian Nut Crunch with a robust coffee or a glass of port wine for a sophisticated dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. There's no need to reheat, but if the chocolate softens, chill briefly in the refrigerator to re-set.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Brazilian Nut Crunch contains approximately 250 calories. Given its rich ingredients, it's a high-calorie treat that's best enjoyed in moderation.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Brazilian Nut Crunch contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the sugar used in the brittle, making it a high-energy treat best enjoyed in moderation.

Fats

Brazil nuts are a great source of healthy fats, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. A serving of this dessert contains about 15 grams of fat, contributing to its rich taste and satisfying texture.

Proteins

Brazilian Nut Crunch provides about 4 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the Brazil nuts. While not a high-protein food, it does offer some nutritional benefits in this regard.

Vitamins and minerals

Brazil nuts are famously high in selenium, a mineral that supports thyroid function and antioxidant activity. This dessert also contains magnesium, phosphorus, and small amounts of iron and calcium.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe are nuts (Brazil nuts) and chocolate, which may contain milk. Those with nut allergies or sensitivities should avoid this dessert.

Summary

The Brazilian Nut Crunch is a calorie-dense, flavorful dessert that offers some nutritional benefits, such as healthy fats and minerals. However, due to its high sugar and fat content, it should be consumed in moderation.

Summary

The Brazilian Nut Crunch is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, offering a satisfying crunch and rich chocolate taste. While it's a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie content, it's a wonderful addition to any dessert table or as a special treat with your afternoon coffee.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a hot summer day and I was browsing through a local market in Brazil, when I stumbled upon a small stall selling all sorts of nuts and dried fruits. As I approached the stall, the sweet and nutty aroma wafted towards me, enticing me further.

The vendor, a kind elderly lady, noticed my interest and invited me to try a sample of her Brazilian Nut Crunch. One bite was all it took for me to fall in love with the deliciously sweet and crunchy treat. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself.

I struck up a conversation with the vendor, who was more than happy to share her recipe with me. She explained that the key to making the perfect Brazilian Nut Crunch lies in the quality of the ingredients and the precise measurements. She handed me a handwritten recipe card and wished me luck on my culinary journey.

Back home, I wasted no time in gathering all the necessary ingredients for my Brazilian Nut Crunch adventure. The recipe called for a mix of cashews, pistachios, almonds, and walnuts, along with honey, sugar, and a pinch of salt. I carefully measured out each ingredient, following the vendor's instructions to the letter.

As I stirred the mixture over a low flame, the sweet scent of caramelized nuts filled my kitchen. I watched in awe as the sugar melted and coated the nuts, creating a beautiful golden hue. Once the mixture reached the perfect temperature, I poured it out onto a baking sheet and spread it out evenly.

I let the Brazilian Nut Crunch cool and harden before breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Each crunchy bite was a burst of nutty sweetness, transporting me back to that sunny day at the market in Brazil. I couldn't believe I had managed to recreate the vendor's recipe so perfectly.

Over the years, I have made my Brazilian Nut Crunch countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all marveled at its deliciousness. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that fateful day at the market and the kind vendor who shared her recipe with me.

As I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make Brazilian Nut Crunch, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary adventures that have shaped me into the cook I am today. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and learning new recipes from different places and people has only fueled that passion further.

I hope that one day, someone else will stumble upon my recipe for Brazilian Nut Crunch and feel the same sense of excitement and wonder that I felt all those years ago. Cooking is a beautiful way to connect with others and share a piece of yourself through the dishes you create.

So here's to the sweet and crunchy delights that bring joy to our taste buds and memories to our hearts. And here's to the vendors, grandmothers, and cooks who generously share their recipes with us, inspiring us to create our own culinary masterpieces. Cheers to Brazilian Nut Crunch, a recipe that will forever hold a special place in my heart.