These No-Bake Honey Nut Treats are a fantastic and easy option for a sweet, satisfying treat during the holidays, adding a bit of handmade charm to your festive celebrations. Enjoy the blend of crunchy nuts and sweet, chewy candy!
Ingredients:
- 100 g Almonds
- 75 g Walnuts
- 125 g Sugar
- 125 g Honey
- 1 Egg White
- Cranberries (optional)
- Icing Sugar, for dusting
- Oil (for greasing the mold)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Nuts:
- Boil Almonds: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the almonds and boil for 3 minutes. Drain and peel the almonds if desired. Toast the almonds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside.
- Toast Walnuts: Toast the walnuts in the same pan for a few minutes until they are also golden and fragrant. Set aside.
- Prepare the Mould:
- Grease and Dust: Lightly oil a 22×9 cm mould. Sprinkle the inside with icing sugar to coat evenly, shaking out any excess. This will prevent the candy from sticking.
- Make the Syrup:
- Combine Sugar and Honey: In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar and honey. Heat over medium until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and continue to cook without stirring.
- Test Syrup: Test the syrup by dropping a teaspoon of it into a cup of cold water. If you can form a soft ball with the syrup in the water, it’s ready. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Whisk Egg White: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy but not stiff.
- Add Syrup to Egg White: Gradually pour the hot syrup into the egg white, whisking continuously to prevent the egg from scrambling.
- Cook Mixture: Return the mixture to low heat and continue to cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Add Nuts and Set:
- Mix in Nuts: Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the toasted almonds and walnuts.
- Pour into Mould: Quickly pour the mixture into the prepared mould, spreading evenly.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Let it cool slightly at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 12 hours to set completely.
- Serve:
- Slice and Dust: Once set, turn out the treat onto a cutting board and slice into desired pieces. Dust with more icing sugar if desired before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Holiday Treat: Perfect for holiday gift baskets or as a sweet addition to festive gatherings.
- Afternoon Snack: Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Party Favor: Wrap individual pieces in decorative paper for a charming party favor.
Cooking Tips:
- Prevent Sticking: Make sure to oil and dust the mould thoroughly to prevent the candy from sticking.
- Monitor Syrup: Be careful not to overcook the syrup as it can quickly go from soft ball stage to hard crack.
- Work Quickly: Once the nuts are added, work quickly to pour and spread the mixture before it sets.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in Healthy Fats: Almonds and walnuts provide healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
- Protein Source: Nuts are a good source of protein, which helps keep you satiated.
- Natural Sweetener: Honey adds natural sweetness along with beneficial antioxidants.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarians.
- Customizable: Can be adapted with other nuts or dried fruits to suit dietary preferences.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Refrigeration: Can be refrigerated to extend shelf life up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: No baking required, making it a simple treat to prepare.
- Handmade Charm: Adds a personal touch to holiday celebrations and gifts.
- Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of crunchy nuts and sweet honey candy is irresistible.
Conclusion:
Enjoy these No-Bake Honey Nut Treats as a delightful addition to your holiday festivities or any time you crave a sweet, crunchy snack. The blend of nuts and honey creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a treat that everyone will love.
FAQs
- Can I use different types of nuts?
Yes, you can substitute almonds and walnuts with other nuts like cashews or pecans. - Can I add dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries or apricots can be added for extra flavor and texture. - How can I make these treats vegan?
You can use a flax or chia egg substitute in place of the egg white. - What if I don’t have a 22×9 cm mould?
You can use any similar-sized pan or dish; adjust the thickness of the treats accordingly. - How can I make these treats more festive?
Decorate with edible glitter or festive sprinkles before they set. - Can I use honey substitutes?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives to honey. - What’s the best way to store these treats?
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. - Can I use a different type of sugar?
Brown sugar or coconut sugar can be used as alternatives to granulated sugar. - How do I know when the syrup is ready?
The syrup should reach the soft ball stage; it should form a soft ball when dropped into cold water.