Golden Nut Crunch

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the mixed nuts evenly on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes until lightly toasted. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once done, set the nuts aside to cool.

2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and butter over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely.

3. Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. Let it bubble away until it reaches a rich amber color, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn.

4. Remove the caramel from the heat and quickly stir in the salt, vanilla extract, and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious. The baking soda helps aerate the caramel, giving it a lighter texture.

5. Carefully pour the caramel over the toasted nuts in a large bowl. Working quickly, use a spatula to coat the nuts evenly with the caramel.

6. Spread the caramel-coated nuts back onto the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the nuts are golden brown and the caramel is bubbly.

7. Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the golden nut crunch cool completely. The caramel will harden as it cools. Break the crunch into bite-sized clusters using your hands or a spatula.

8. Your golden nut crunch is now ready to enjoy! Serve it in a pretty bowl as a delightful snack for guests or package it in cute jars as a homemade gift. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain its crispiness.