Oregon Hazelnut Crunch

Oregon Hazelnut Crunch Recipe - Delicious and Crunchy Dessert from USA

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

Introduction

Oregon Hazelnut Crunch is a delicious and crunchy treat that is perfect for snacking or gifting to friends and family. This recipe combines the rich flavor of hazelnuts with a sweet and crunchy candy coating, making it a favorite among both kids and adults.

History

The Oregon Hazelnut Crunch recipe has been passed down through generations in Oregon, where hazelnuts are a popular and abundant crop. Originally created as a way to showcase the natural flavor of hazelnuts, this recipe has evolved over time to include additional ingredients like almond extract and baking soda for added flavor and texture.

Ingredients

1.25 cups granulated sugar
0.25 cups light corn syrup
2 tbsp water
0.13 tsp cream of tartar
1 cup hazelnuts
3 tbsp almond extract
0.25 tsp baking soda

How to prepare

Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar in a heavy saucepan; bring to a boil.
Heat the mixture until it reaches the hard-crack stage [1] without stirring.
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add hazelnuts, almond extract, and baking soda; stir vigorously.
Pour the mixture into a buttered baking pan measuring 17 x 11 x 2 inches.
Allow the mixture to cool before breaking it into pieces.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt to the candy coating for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Mix in dried fruit or chocolate chips for added sweetness and texture.
Substitute other nuts like almonds or pecans for the hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a heavy saucepan when making the candy coating to prevent burning.

- Stir the mixture occasionally while it cools to ensure that the hazelnuts are evenly distributed.

- Use a candy thermometer to accurately gauge when the mixture has reached the hard-crack stage.

- Allow the mixture to cool completely before breaking it into pieces to ensure a crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Oregon Hazelnut Crunch can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet and crunchy snack, or crumbled over ice cream or yogurt for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Oregon Hazelnut Crunch is to heat the candy coating to the hard-crack stage without stirring, and to allow the mixture to cool before breaking it into pieces.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have hazelnuts on hand, you can substitute almonds or pecans in this recipe. You can also use vanilla extract instead of almond extract for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Oregon Hazelnut Crunch can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Oregon Hazelnut Crunch in a decorative tin or jar for a beautiful and delicious gift idea. You can also package it in small bags or boxes for party favors or holiday gifts.

Pairing Recommendations

Oregon Hazelnut Crunch pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying treat. It also makes a great topping for desserts like ice cream or brownies.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Oregon Hazelnut Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To reheat, place the pieces on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Oregon Hazelnut Crunch contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Oregon Hazelnut Crunch contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Oregon Hazelnut Crunch contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Oregon Hazelnut Crunch contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Oregon Hazelnut Crunch is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and copper.

Alergens

Oregon Hazelnut Crunch contains hazelnuts and almonds, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Oregon Hazelnut Crunch is a delicious treat that is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a satisfying snack option. It also provides a good source of proteins and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Oregon Hazelnut Crunch is a delicious and crunchy treat that is perfect for snacking or gifting. With a sweet and crunchy candy coating and the rich flavor of hazelnuts, this recipe is sure to be a hit with friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Oregon Hazelnut Crunch. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a quaint little farmer's market in the heart of Oregon. As I wandered through the bustling stalls filled with fresh produce and handmade goods, my eyes were drawn to a small stand showcasing a variety of locally grown nuts.

Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with the friendly vendor, an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye. She told me stories of her family's nut farm nestled in the lush Willamette Valley, where they had been growing and harvesting hazelnuts for generations. She shared with me the secret to their famous hazelnut crunch recipe - a combination of toasted Oregon hazelnuts, sweet honey, and a touch of sea salt.

Eager to learn more, I asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. With a smile, she handed me a weathered piece of paper, yellowed with age and stained with traces of honey. As I read through the handwritten instructions, I could almost smell the rich aroma of roasted nuts and sweet honey wafting through the air.

I thanked the kind vendor profusely and hurried back to my kitchen, eager to recreate the magic of Oregon Hazelnut Crunch in my own home. I gathered the ingredients - plump Oregon hazelnuts, golden honey, and a sprinkle of sea salt - and set to work.

I began by toasting the hazelnuts in a hot oven, the nutty aroma filling the kitchen with a warm, comforting scent. As they turned a deep golden brown, I knew they were ready. I poured the toasted nuts into a large mixing bowl and drizzled them with a generous amount of honey, stirring until each nut was coated in sticky sweetness.

Next, I spread the honey-coated hazelnuts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, sprinkling them with a pinch of sea salt for a perfect balance of flavors. I popped the sheet into the oven and waited, the anticipation building with each passing minute.

As the hazelnuts roasted and caramelized, the kitchen filled with a heavenly scent that made my mouth water. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I pulled the baking sheet out of the oven and marveled at the golden-brown hazelnut crunch before me.

I let the hazelnut crunch cool for a few minutes before breaking it into bite-sized pieces, savoring the satisfying crunch and sweet, nutty flavor with each bite. It was even better than I had imagined - a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and crunchy that left me craving more.

I packaged up the hazelnut crunch in a pretty tin and brought it to my next family gathering, where it was met with rave reviews from my loved ones. They couldn't get enough of the addictive treat, and I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a cherished family favorite for years to come.

As I reflected on my newfound love for Oregon Hazelnut Crunch, I couldn't help but feel grateful to the kind vendor who had shared her family's recipe with me. Her generosity and passion for her craft had inspired me to create something truly special, a dish that brought joy and comfort to all who tasted it.

And so, with a heart full of gratitude and a belly full of hazelnut crunch, I vowed to continue exploring new recipes and sharing them with my loved ones, just as the kind vendor had done for me. For in the act of cooking and sharing food, we create lasting memories and connections that nourish both body and soul. And that, to me, is the true magic of cooking.