Who doesn't like candied peanuts? They're sweet, crunchy and a great snack anytime. Of course, if you can't have peanuts, you can do this recipe with any tree nut. Hazelnuts or whole almonds would be wonderful substitutes.
These are so easy to make and require just 3 simple ingredients; peanuts, sugar and water! You can add a bit of salt if desired, but it's not required.
The only thing you have to do is be patient, and work over a low heat to avoid burning the sugar as it caramelizes.
RECIPE
Ingredients
2 cups peanuts (raw with skin)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup water
1 to 2 pinches coarse salt (optional)
Method
Line a large baking sheet or pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper; set aside.
In a heavy-bottomed sauce pan, combine the peanuts, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a syrup.
Continue cooking and stirring for about 10 minutes, or until the liquids evaporate and a sandy-textured sugar mixture coats the peanuts.
Lower the heat a bit and continue stirring as the excess sugar in the pan begins to melt. This will take several minutes. Once the syrup begins to form, it will change in color from clear to golden to amber. Stir constantly, and be careful that the heat is not so high as to burn or darken the syrup too much.
When the syrup is a light-to-medium-amber color and the sugary coating on the peanuts has glazed, remove the sauce pan from the heat.
Sprinkle the salt (if using) over the peanuts and stir.
Turn the peanuts out onto your prepared pan and quickly spread them in a single layer. Allow them to cool and harden. Once the peanuts have cooled completely, store in an airtight container.
Enjoy,
Mary
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