Almond Brittle

Directions

1. 1
   Line a baking sheet or 15- x 10-inch jellyroll pan with aluminum foil; grease foil with butter. Set pan aside.
2. 2
   Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add almonds, and cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. 3
   Cook sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture starts to boil. (Use a small brush dipped in cold water to brush down sugar crystals that cling to sides of pan.) Boil without stirring about 10 minutes or until a candy thermometer reaches 310° (hard-crack stage). (Mixture should be golden.) Remove from heat, and stir in almond mixture and baking soda.
4. 4
   Pour mixture immediately onto prepared baking sheet, spreading mixture quickly into an even layer with a metal spatula. Allow to stand 30 minutes or until hardened. Break into pieces.