Cashew Macadamia Crunch

Cashew Macadamia Crunch Recipe - Delicious Nutty Treat

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Cashew Macadamia Crunch is a delicious and decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, cashews, and macadamia nuts. This recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing your friends and family with a homemade dessert.

History

The origins of Cashew Macadamia Crunch are not well-documented, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional nut brittle recipes. The combination of chocolate, cashews, and macadamia nuts creates a unique and irresistible flavor profile that is sure to please any palate.

Ingredients

2 cups (11.5 oz or 326 g) of HERSHEY'S milk chocolate chips
0.75 cup of coarsely chopped salted or unsalted cashews
0.75 cup of coarsely chopped salted or unsalted macadamia nuts
0.5 cup (1 stick) of softened butter
0.5 cup of sugar
2 tbsp of light corn syrup

How to prepare

Line a 9-inch square pan with foil, making sure to extend the foil over the edges of the pan. Butter the foil.
Cover the bottom of the prepared pan with chocolate chips.
In a large heavy skillet, combine cashews, macadamia nuts, butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
Increase the heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to cling together and turns golden brown.
Pour the mixture over the chocolate chips in the pan, spreading it evenly.
Allow the mixture to cool until the chocolate is firm. Then, remove it from the pan and peel off the foil.
Break the mixture into pieces.
Store the pieces tightly covered in a cool, dry place.

Variations

Substitute almonds or peanuts for the cashews and macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate for a sweet and salty twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the nut mixture constantly while cooking to prevent burning.

- Use a heavy skillet to ensure even cooking and prevent scorching.

- Allow the chocolate to cool completely before breaking it into pieces to ensure a clean break.

Serving Suggestions

Cashew Macadamia Crunch is perfect for serving as a dessert at a dinner party or as a sweet treat for a special occasion. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Cashew Macadamia Crunch is to cook the nut mixture until it reaches a golden brown color and begins to cling together. This will ensure that the final product has a crunchy texture and rich flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cashews or macadamia nuts on hand, you can substitute any other type of nut, such as almonds or peanuts. You can also use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Cashew Macadamia Crunch can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. This makes it a great option for preparing in advance for a party or special occasion.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cashew Macadamia Crunch on a decorative platter or in individual serving dishes for a beautiful presentation. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Cashew Macadamia Crunch pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee for a sophisticated dessert experience. You can also serve it with a glass of milk for a classic and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Cashew Macadamia Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until the chocolate is slightly melted.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cashew Macadamia Crunch contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cashew Macadamia Crunch contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cashew Macadamia Crunch contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cashew Macadamia Crunch contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cashew Macadamia Crunch is a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Alergens

Cashew Macadamia Crunch contains nuts and dairy.

Summary

Cashew Macadamia Crunch is a delicious and indulgent treat that is high in calories and fats, but also provides essential nutrients like iron and magnesium.

Summary

Cashew Macadamia Crunch is a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, cashews, and macadamia nuts. This recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing your friends and family with a homemade dessert. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Cashew Macadamia Crunch. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy kitchen. Margaret was known for her delicious baked goods, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the heavenly aroma of toasted nuts and caramel. Margaret had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she pulled out a pan of golden brown Cashew Macadamia Crunch from the oven. The sweet and salty scent filled the room, and I couldn't wait to taste it.

Margaret handed me a small piece of the crunchy treat, and as soon as I took a bite, I was hooked. The buttery cashews and rich macadamia nuts were coated in a sweet caramel sauce that had a hint of saltiness. It was the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I begged Margaret to share the recipe with me, and she chuckled at my enthusiasm. "Of course, dear," she said with a smile. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. I'm happy to pass it on to you."

Margaret walked me through the steps of making the Cashew Macadamia Crunch, from toasting the nuts to cooking the caramel sauce to perfection. She shared tips and tricks that she had learned over the years, and I soaked up every word like a sponge.

After a few hours of baking and chatting, the Cashew Macadamia Crunch was finally ready. Margaret and I sat down at her kitchen table, savoring each crunchy bite and reminiscing about old times.

As I left Margaret's house that day, I couldn't stop thinking about the delicious treat we had made together. I knew that I had to make it again soon, and share it with my own family and friends.

Over the years, I made the Cashew Macadamia Crunch countless times, adapting the recipe to suit my own tastes and experimenting with different variations. I added a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor, or drizzled melted chocolate over the top for a decadent touch.

Each time I made the Cashew Macadamia Crunch, it brought back memories of that summer day in Margaret's kitchen. It was more than just a recipe - it was a connection to the past, a way to honor the traditions and stories of those who came before me.

Now, as I pass on the recipe to my grandchildren, I hope that they will cherish it as much as I do. I hope that they will make it with love and care, and that it will bring them joy and comfort just as it has brought me.

And as I watch them bake and taste the Cashew Macadamia Crunch, I know that the recipe will continue to live on, a delicious reminder of the bonds that hold us together and the shared love of food and family.