Pumpkin Seed Crackle

This crunchy and healthful confection tastes better than peanut brittle--plus it’s a whole lot easier on the teeth, (assuming that you are not like Hillbilly Willy and you have some teeth)
and has more nutritional value! (does that mean it will make you fat?)

The gorgeous amber color makes it as pretty to look at as it is mouth-wateringly delicious to eat.
SIMPLE SOLUTION: Pumpkin Seed Crackle makes a gorgeous gift wrapped in cellophane or presented in a pretty tin. (Willy picked up that beautiful line from Juanita down at the Possum Grit Road Kill Diner and Cantina)


INGREDIENTS

2 cups hulled pumpkin seeds
1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoons salt
2 cups sugar
1 1/3 cups water
1 cup dark corn syrup
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1. Butter an 11- by 17-inch baking sheet and set aside. Toss the pumpkin seeds with vegetable oil and then transfer them to a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Toast over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the seeds crackle and pop and become light golden, about 10 minutes. Stir in the salt. Cool on a clean baking sheet.

2. In a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat, mix the sugar, water, and corn syrup, stirring until the sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Increase the heat to high and oil without stirring until the mixture registers 290F on a candy thermometer, 30 to 45 minutes.

3. Remove from the heat and quickly stir in the toasted pumpkin seeds and butter until just combined and the butter melts. Immediately pour the mixture onto the buttered baking sheet and spread evenly with the back of a spoon. Allow the candy to cool on a rack until hard.

4. Flex the baking sheet, loosen and remove the candy, break it into pieces, and store in an airtight container in a cool place or in the freezer.

Makes about 2 pounds.

10-4 Willy