Wait until you taste this outrageously delicious brittle. It’s one of the best brittle I’ve ever tasted! It’s light, crunchy and doesn’t stick to your teeth! I love adding pistachio nuts instead of peanuts to make this brittle a little more gourmet. You can vary the nuts by using almonds, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts or the usual peanuts, if desired. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and work up a sweat because this truly decadent brittle requires lots of stirring. It’s a little skinnier since using reduced-fat butter instead of regular, unsalted nuts and adding a lot less nuts. Homemade brittle is wonderful to have on hand for nibbling or offering to drop-in guests. Beautifully packaged, it also makes a fabulous gift forthe holidays. You are going to love it!
Ingredients
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda (make sure it’s fresh)
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 3 tablespoons reduced-fat butter
- 8 ounces shelled pistachio pieces (unsalted)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together baking soda, 1 teaspoon of water and vanilla: Set aside.
- In a 3-quart saucepan, add sugar, 1 cup water and corn syrup. Mix well.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally to 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. It takes approx 25-30 minutes.
- Stir in butter and pistachio nuts. Cook stirring constantly until the thermometer reaches 300 degrees. Watch carefully to make sure it doesn’t burn. This takes approx 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat immediately and stir in baking soda mixture.
- Working quickly, pour half the candy mixture on each prepared baking sheet and spread to a ¼-inch thickness.
- Cool completely. Break into pieces.
- Store cooled brittle in an airtight container. Pistachio brittle will keep for several weeks.
Notes
Makes approx. 70 pieces
Food Facts
According to the history of peanut brittle candy, brittle was probably the first candy ever made. Peanut brittle made with corn syrups and nuts began appearing in cookbooks around the 19th century. Because we find peanut brittle recipes most commonly in American cookbooks, it is generally recognized as an American recipe, but it’s safe to assume that brittle has been made in all countries. The pistachio nut is a member of the cashew family. Probably native to Persia, the Greeks glorify them in dozens of honey-drenched pastries.
Healthy Benefit
Pistachios are cholesterol-free and high in monounsaturated fat, which is a good fat and means that they, along with other nuts, will help protect your heart. They contain copper, magnesium, and B vitamins. A 1 ounce serving of pistachios (about 45 nuts) contains over 10% of the daily requirements of dietary fiber, magnesium, copper, phosphorous, and B vitamins.
Shopping Tip
Trader Joe’s sells unsalted pistachio pieces in 8 oz bags which is perfect for this recipe.
Weight Watchers (old points) 1
Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 2
Food Facts
According to the history of peanut brittle candy, brittle was probably the first candy ever made. Peanut brittle made with corn syrups and nuts began appearing in cookbooks around the 19th century. Because we find peanut brittle recipes most commonly in American cookbooks, it is generally recognized as an American recipe, but it’s safe to assume that brittle has been made in all countries. The pistachio nut is a member of the cashew family. Probably native to Persia, the Greeks glorify them in dozens of honey-drenched pastries.
Healthy Benefit
Pistachios are cholesterol-free and high in monounsaturated fat, which is a good fat and means that they, along with other nuts, will help protect your heart. They contain copper, magnesium, and B vitamins. A 1 ounce serving of pistachios (about 45 nuts) contains over 10% of the daily requirements of dietary fiber, magnesium, copper, phosphorous, and B vitamins.
Shopping Tip
Trader Joe’s sells unsalted pistachio pieces in 8 oz bags which is perfect for this recipe.
Weight Watchers (old points) 1
Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 2
| SKINNY FACTS: for (approx) 1 piece 52 cal 2g fat, 1g protein, 9g carbs, 0g fiber, 37mg sodium, 7g sugar |
| FAT FACTS: for (approx) 1 piece 74 cal, 4g fat, 1g protein, 10g carbs, 1g fiber, 90mg sodium, 7g sugar |
Skinny Facts
Serving: 1pieceCalories: 52kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSodium: 37mgSugar: 7gPlus Points: 2
