Have you ever craved a sweet treat that’s not only delicious but also brings a taste of another culture right into your kitchen? Well, let me introduce you to Pé de Moleque de Castanha do Pará! This traditional Brazilian nut candy is a delightful combination of crunchy nuts and sweet caramel that will make your taste buds dance with joy. And the best part? It’s a fantastic addition to your collection of easy pasta recipes and quick family dinners! So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends during gatherings.
- Great for satisfying your sweet tooth without being overly indulgent.
- Can be made in advance for those busy weeknight dinner ideas.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite nuts!
Ingredients
To make this delightful Pé de Moleque de Castanha do Pará, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of Castanha do Pará (Brazil nuts), chopped
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this delicious treat! Follow these simple steps:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and let it boil until it reaches a golden caramel color. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the butter, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Add the chopped Castanha do Pará and mix well until the nuts are fully coated in the caramel.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased baking sheet and spread it out evenly.
- Let it cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
And there you have it! A crunchy, sweet treat that’s sure to impress.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Pé de Moleque turns out perfectly:
- Keep an eye on the caramel as it cooks; it can go from perfect to burnt very quickly!
- If you want to add a twist, try mixing in some chocolate chips or dried fruits.
- Use a silicone spatula to help spread the mixture on the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- For a more intense flavor, toast the Castanha do Pará in the oven before adding them to the caramel.
How to Serve
Pé de Moleque de Castanha do Pará is perfect for any occasion! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve it as a sweet snack during movie nights with the family.
- Package it in cute bags for party favors at your next gathering.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt for a crunchy twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
This treat is great for making ahead of time! Here’s how to store it:
- Once cooled, store the pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the pieces in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
- Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
So, whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy after a quick family dinner or a delightful addition to your collection of weeknight dinner ideas, Pé de Moleque de Castanha do Pará is the perfect choice! I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious nut treat as much as I do. Happy cooking!
Pé de Moleque de Castanha do Pará
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 14.1 oz sugar (cristal)
- 4.07 oz butter (sem sal)
- 3.9 oz glucose syrup (transparente ou xarope de milho claro)
- 3.4 oz water
- 0.17 oz bicarbonate of soda
- 8.8 oz castanha-do-Pará (picada grosseiramente)
- 0.2 oz flaked salt (Maldon, Cornuália, Flor de Sal)
Instructions
- Prepare a greased or silicone-lined baking dish.
- Combine sugar, water, butter, and glucose in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir initially, then cook until amber and caramelized (~10-12 min, 150°C).
- Remove from heat, add bicarbonate, and stir quickly. Mix in chopped Pará cashews.
- Pour into prepared dish, spread evenly, and sprinkle with flaked salt. Cut into pieces while still warm.
