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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Nuts
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the mixed nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. Be sure to stir the nuts halfway through to ensure even toasting. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring constantly to combine. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the mixture to come to a gentle boil. Keep stirring to prevent burning. Once the mixture has thickened slightly, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
3. Combine the Nuts and Caramel
- Add the toasted nuts to the caramel mixture, stirring to coat the nuts evenly. Once they’re well-coated, pour the nut-caramel mixture back onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into an even layer.
4. Bake the Candy
- Bake the candy in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through. This ensures that the caramel evenly coats the nuts and helps it set perfectly once cooled. Keep an eye on the candy toward the end of the baking time to avoid burning. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and bubbly.
5. Cool and Coat with Chocolate
- Once the candy is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. If you’re adding chocolate, melt the chocolate chips with a teaspoon of vegetable oil in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled candy for an extra decadent touch.
6. Let the Candy Set
- Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature. The caramel will firm up as it cools, and the chocolate will harden, creating the perfect texture for the candy. Once fully set, break the candy into pieces.
Why You’ll Love Oklahoma Nut Candy
- Simple Ingredients: You can make this delicious treat with just a few simple pantry staples—nuts, sugar, butter, and chocolate. The result is a rich, flavorful candy that’s easy to prepare.
- Versatile: Feel free to use any combination of nuts you prefer! Peanuts, almonds, cashews, or pecans are all excellent choices. You can even use a single type of nut for a more personalized flavor.
- Great for Gifting: If you’re looking for a homemade gift idea, Oklahoma Nut Candy makes an excellent choice. Package it in a pretty jar or box and share the sweetness with friends and family.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of crispy, toasted nuts, rich caramel, and a smooth chocolate drizzle creates an irresistible candy that’s crunchy, chewy, and downright addictive.
Tips for Perfect Oklahoma Nut Candy
- Don’t Overcook the Caramel: When making the caramel sauce, make sure not to cook it for too long. Overcooking will result in a harder, more brittle texture, so remove it from the heat once it’s golden and bubbly.
- Use Quality Chocolate: For the best chocolate coating, use good-quality semisweet chocolate chips. This will ensure that the chocolate layer is smooth and adds a deep, rich flavor to the candy.
- Storage: Store your Oklahoma Nut Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to keep it fresh for a longer period, you can also store it in the fridge. However, be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Customize the Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit of sea salt on top of the chocolate drizzle for a unique twist on this classic treat.
Conclusion
Oklahoma Nut Candy is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors that everyone will love. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for holidays, gatherings, or as a treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time in the oven, you can create this irresistible candy that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
So, grab your skillet, toast some nuts, and get ready to enjoy the rich, gooey sweetness of Oklahoma Nut Candy—your taste buds will thank you!
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