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Cashew Nut Brittlecandies, desserts, holiday 2 cup granulated sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 1/2 cup water 3 cup unsalted raw cashew nuts; coarsely chopped 2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Butter 2 baking sheets and set aside. Butter the sides of a 3-quart saucepan, and add the sugar, corn syrup, butter, and water. Stir over low heat until the butter has melted. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue cooking over moderate heat, without stirring, for about 20 minutes, until the temperature reaches 275 degrees F. (soft-crack stage) on a candy thermometer. Add the cashew nuts and continue cooking for about 5 minutes, until the candy thermometer registers 295 degrees F. (hard crack stage.) You may stir occasionally, if necessary. Remove from the heat and immediately sift the baking soda evenly over the surface. (Be careful---the syrup will foam up.) Add the vanilla and stir to distribute the soda and vanilla throughout the mixture. Pour at once onto the prepared baking sheets. Tilt the sheets to spread the brittle about 1/2-inch thick. Allow to cool until firm. Break the brittle into pieces and store in an airtight container. Variation: Peanuts or other nuts can be added instead of the cashews, or you can use a combination of several nuts. Always choose the raw unsalted nuts that are available in health-food and speciality stores. The nuts will cook and "toast" when added to the hot syrup. Makes abouy 2 pounds.
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