Salted Peanut Nougat Cracker Sandwiches with Chocolate Coating
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanuts (120 g)
- 1 cup sugar (200 g)
- 1 cup cream (33% fat, 200 g)
- A pinch of salt
- 120 g chocolate (dark or milk, as per your preference)
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil (15 ml)
- Salt crackers, enough to make sandwiches
- White chocolate, melted (for optional decoration)
Steps to Make Salted Peanut Nougat Cracker Sandwiches:
Prepare the Peanuts
Start by toasting the peanuts lightly in a dry pan over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool. This step adds extra depth to the flavor of the peanuts and ensures they blend well with the nougat.
Caramelize the Sugar
In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of sugar and turn on medium/high heat. Let the sugar sit without stirring for the first few minutes. As the sugar melts from the bottom, it will start to turn into a liquid. Once the bottom layer of sugar has melted, begin stirring gently with a heatproof spatula.
Melt the Sugar to Amber Color
Continue stirring as the sugar melts and turns into a beautiful amber color. Be sure not to let it burn—keep the heat steady and monitor closely. This caramelization process is essential for creating the base of your nougat.
Add the Cream and Salt
Once the sugar reaches a golden amber color, slowly pour in the cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble and steam, so be cautious. Stir constantly until the sugar and cream combine into a smooth, thick caramel mixture. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor balance between sweet and salty.
Cook the Nougat Mixture
Let the nougat mixture cook for about 3-5 minutes, continuing to stir so that it thickens and becomes smooth. The mixture should have a creamy consistency but still be pourable.
Cool the Nougat
Remove the pan from heat and allow the nougat mixture to cool slightly. Transfer it to a bowl to cool completely. This step is crucial, as the nougat will firm up as it cools, making it easier to work with.
Assemble the Cracker Sandwiches
Once the nougat has cooled, it’s time to assemble your cracker sandwiches. Take a salt cracker and spoon a generous amount of nougat onto it. Top with another cracker, gently pressing to form a sandwich. Repeat this process until all of the nougat is used up.
Refrigerate the Sandwiches
Place the assembled cracker and nougat sandwiches on a tray lined with parchment paper. Put them in the fridge for a few hours to allow the nougat to set and the crackers to firm up.
Melt the Chocolate
While the sandwiches are chilling, melt the chocolate. Break 120 g of chocolate into small pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil, which helps keep the chocolate smooth and shiny. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Coat the Sandwiches in Chocolate
Once the cracker sandwiches have set, dip each one into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat them completely. Let any excess chocolate drip off, and place the chocolate-coated sandwiches back onto the parchment-lined tray.
Optional Decoration
If you want to get creative, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the top of the sandwiches for a decorative touch. You can also sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top to enhance the salty-sweet flavor.
Chill the Sandwiches Again
Return the chocolate-coated sandwiches to the fridge until the chocolate solidifies, about 30 minutes. Once the chocolate is firm, your salted peanut nougat cracker sandwiches are ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 10 sandwiches):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Cholesterol: 15 mg