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Recipe Detail Page
Spicy Candied Peanuts
Autumn 2023
The original salty-sweet snack, candied peanuts get a fiery boost of cayenne pepper. There are a few stages of the process where it gets messy and looks like it’s going wrong, but don’t fret: it comes together in the end.
Makes 3 cups
2 cups (500 mL) unsalted roasted peanuts
1 cup (250 mL) sugar
1/3 cup (80 mL) water
Flaky sea salt and cayenne pepper to taste
1. Place peanuts, sugar and water in a large, heavy-duty frying pan (not nonstick) over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until water evaporates and sugar becomes sandy, about 15 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring often—the sugar will melt and caramelize—to coat peanuts in caramel syrup. When you see a few peanuts start to scorch, reduce heat to medium-low. (If it starts to smoke, remove pan from heat and keep stirring.) Cook, stirring constantly, until nuts are beautifully caramelized— it should take another 12 to 15 minutes from the sandy stage. Remove from heat and season with salt and cayenne. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. When cool enough to handle, break apart clusters. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks.
Makes 3 cups
