Maple-Spice Cashew Brittle

For 12 servings, Maple-Spice Cashew Brittle keeps the list centered on granulated sugar, light corn syrup and chopped cashews. Set aside about 25 minutes.

• Yield 12 servings
• Ready in 25 minutes
• Prep 10 minutes
• Cook 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup chopped cashews
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more to taste if you want it spicier)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon maple flavoring or extract

Instructions

1. Grease a large, rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray really well. Set aside.
2. In a microwave-safe medium glass bowl, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Microwave uncovered for 3 minutes. Remove carefully from the microwave and give it a good stir. Microwave again for another 4 minutes.
3. Remove carefully and stir in the cashews, cinnamon, cayenne, salt and butter. Microwave for 3-4 more minutes, watching carefully, until the mixture turns light amber in color but not so long that the cashews are burned. It will be very hot, so be careful removing it from the microwave. Quickly stir in the baking soda and maple flavoring; the mixture will foam a bit so don't be alarmed.
4. Immediately spread the mixture out on the prepared pan. Cool completely.
5. Break brittle in pieces. It can be stored well-covered at room temperature for several days.

Let the center settle before you cut it, or the slices will slump.