Grillage (candied roasted nuts)

Ingredients

Grillage

120 grams (1 cup) nuts (almonds and hazelnuts)
400 grams (2 cups) sugar
5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) lemon juice

Equipment

Cast-Iron Skillet
Ideal for making caramel because of its ability to provide even heating.
Wooden Spoon
Perfect for stirring sugar and nuts without damaging your cookware.
Baking Sheet
Use a siliconized parchment paper or silicone mat to prevent sticking.
Rolling Pin
Helpful for rolling out the grillage to a thin and uniform layer.
Airtight Container
Ensure your grillage stays fresh for up to 2 months.

Instructions

Step 1

1. When working with grillage, be extremely careful! The melting point of sugar is very high and can cause severe burns. Always have cold water or an accessible ice bath nearby to treat any potential burns immediately.

Step 2

2. Heat up a skillet over medium heat. A cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed stewpan is best for making caramel as they ensure even heating.

Step 3

3. Pour in half of the sugar, stirring constantly, and wait until it starts to melt. Add the second half of the sugar, continuing to stir.

Step 4

4. When all the sugar has melted, add the lemon juice and continue to mix until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture begins to boil. Monitor the color of the caramel closely. It will turn from light yellow to a darker shade. The darker the caramel, the more pronounced the burnt sugar flavor will be.

Step 5

5. When the mixture reaches a light brown color, add the nuts. You can pre-roast the nuts in the oven for 10 minutes at 356°F (180°C) for a deeper flavor. Reduce the heat to a minimum to prevent the caramel from burning.

Step 6

6. Mix well so that the nuts are evenly coated with caramel, and fry them for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7

7. Transfer the nuts onto a sheet of siliconized parchment paper (or a silicone mat) and smooth them out. Work quickly, as caramel hardens fast!

Step 8

8. Cover with a second sheet of parchment and roll out with a rolling pin to create a thin, transparent layer. Skip this step if you need whole nuts for decoration.

Step 9

9. Let the grillage cool completely before breaking it into pieces. Use large pieces to decorate cakes or desserts, and chop smaller pieces with a knife to create grillage crumbs for toppings or breakfasts.

Step 10

10. Store the grillage in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Servings

✨ **Elevate any dessert** with a sprinkle of crunchy grillage! Break it into small pieces and add it to your favorite ice cream or yogurt for a delightful crunch. 🍨

🍰 **Take your cake decorating skills to the next level** by using larger pieces of grillage as a stunning and tasty garnish. Whether it's a birthday cake or a simple tea-time treat, grillage adds that wow factor!

🥳 **Party snacks reimagined**: Create a luxurious platter with a variety of nuts and grillage pieces. It's a delicious and elegant option that will surely impress your guests.

🍏 Feeling fancy? Pair the grillage with a cheese platter for an unexpected but delightful touch. The sweet crunch complements the creamy and tangy flavors of different cheeses beautifully.

Variations

🌾 **Gluten-Free Variation**: Good news! This grillage recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your nuts and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

🌱 **Vegan Variation**: To make this treat vegan, simply use organic sugar that is not processed with bone char. Everything else is already plant-based, so enjoy your vegan grillage without worry! 🌿

Faq

What type of nuts can I use for grillage?
You can use a variety of nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and even peanuts. Mixing different types of nuts can make the grillage more flavorful.
Why is my caramel crystallizing?
This can happen if there are impurities in the sugar or if it’s stirred too early. Try using a clean, dry pan and avoid stirring until the sugar starts to melt.
Can I use a non-stick pan to make caramel?
Yes, you can, but a heavy-bottomed pan like a cast-iron skillet is better for even heat distribution.
How can I prevent my caramel from burning?
Keep a close eye on the color of the caramel and reduce heat once it starts to darken. Continuous stirring and maintaining low heat can also help prevent it from burning.
How do I store leftover grillage?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 months if kept properly sealed.
Can I add flavorings to the caramel?
Yes, a touch of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt can add interesting flavors to your caramel. Add these after you’ve taken it off the heat.