That is a very simple and completely addictive sweet that will make you go nuts! It is great as a present, to decorate your cakes and desserts, or to make your own praline. You just have to mix them in a good food processor, with a drizzle of hazelnut or grape seed oil until smooth and even.
Of course, you can use this technique with every kind of nut: almond, hazelnut, macadamia, peanut, pecan, cashew…
You will need:
- As much sugar as nuts (in weight)
- a thermometer (for pastry or cooking)
Put the sugar in a pan and cover with water.
Bring to a boil until you get a thick syrup of 250°F.
Pour in the nuts and stir continuously with a wooden spoon. The sugar should coat the nuts and then get white looking like corse salt. Keep stirring for a while, until the nuts are caramelized. Feel free to adapt the fire to help the sugar caramelize without burning.
Pour the caramelized nuts on a silicone canvas or baking paper. Spread and separate them while still hot with a wooden spoon. And let cool completely before use.