Cashew Nut Crunch

Directions

1. 1
   Grease two
2. 2
   using 1 tablespoon butter; set aside. In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup and remaining butter. Cook and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage), stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; stir in the cashews. Quickly pour onto prepared pans. Spread with a buttered metal spatula. Cool on wire racks.
3. 3
   Coarsely chop half of the candy and store in an airtight container. Use as an ice cream topping. Break remaining candy into pieces. Melt chocolate chips and shortening in a heavy saucepan or microwave at 70% power; stir until smooth. Dip one end of each candy piece into melted chips. Place on a waxed paper-lined
4. 4
   to dry. Store in an airtight container.