Oh heyyyyy.... Sorry for the disappearance from the blogosphere these past weeks. Monica and I both got caught up in final exams/packing/traveling/holiday festivities/explaining to the parents what a history and literature major is and why anyone would want one. Oh wait, that last bit might just be me. Anyways, we have a super awesome recipe for you today to make it up to you!
Still looking for an easy and delicious treat to serve at a get-together? These caramelized sesame-coated peanuts are sure to be a hit. I've been meaning to post these for some time, but somehow they all manage to disappear before I managed to take pictures.
You can make these guys in 15 minutes flat, and the hardest part is definitely waiting long enough for them to cool. They involve melting sugar, but don't worry, there is no candy thermometer or anything involved, and it is pretty hard to mess up. You just throw the sugar, water, and raw peanuts in a large skillet, and cook them over medium heat until the the sugar melts and the peanuts are roasted, and then sprinkle on sesame seeds and some salt. See? The recipe can be summed up in a sentence. And then you end up with these sweet, crunchy, caramelized treats.
Don't worry if there's still a couple of bits of uncooked sugar left on the peanuts. You don't want to leave them on the stove too long or the peanuts will begin to burn. These are perfect appetizer to serve at parties, but are also great just as an everyday snack.
Give these a try, and make these today! And tomorrow! And the day after that!
Happy New Year, guys!
-Caroline
Candied Sesame Peanuts
Click here for the printer-friendly version of the recipe.
Yields: 2 cups candied Peanuts | Adapted from David Lebovitz
Ingredients
2 cups raw peanuts
1 cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup water
½ teaspoon sea salt (see notes)
¼ cup sesame seeds
Notes: If you don’t have sea salt, you can substitute it for ⅛ teaspoon table salt. Just make sure to evenly sprinkle the salt over the peanuts and to mix very well.
Directions
Mix together the water, sugar, and peanuts in a large skillet over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
Continue cooking the peanuts, stirring occasionally. The sugar will crystallize and will appear white and crusty.
The sugar will begin to melt and turn into a golden brown syrup. Still the peanuts around in the skillet so they are evenly coated in the syrup. Occasionally take the skillet off the stove for a few seconds while mixing to avoid burning the peanuts.
Once most of the sugar has melted take the skill off the heat and sprinkle the salt and sesame seeds over the peanuts. Mix so the peanuts are evenly coated.
Let cool and serve!