Technique Theory: Basic Brittle

Brittles are simple confections to cook, requiring no special knowledge or tools beyond those used in the fundamental sugar-cooking technique. Brittles, like hard candies, are high-boiled sweets; that is, they are cooked using water to dissolve the sugar, but the water is essentially all evaporated during cooking due to the high temperature to which they are cooked. The two key steps to cooking brittles are to stir constantly once the nuts are added in order to prevent scorching and to cook to the desired temperature to develop sufficient caramel color and flavor—without overcooking and promoting bitter flavor notes.