Nut-Free Brittle Alternative: Harnessing the Power of Seeds and Grains

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut Free and suitable for Vegans and Vegetarians

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Embracing a nut-free lifestyle doesn't mean giving up on rich and nutty flavours. In fact, it's an opportunity to explore innovative alternatives that bring a delightful twist to your favourite recipes. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to a nut-free brittle alternative using butternut squash seeds paired with millet flakes. Not only is this substitute perfect for those with nut allergies, but it also adds a unique and delectable element to all your bakes. This recipe can be eaten as is for a truly delicious snack or used as a base for other traditional recipes that often call for nutmeat, such as pralines, and nougats.

"Waste Not, Want Not"

While preparing butternut blondies, I unexpectedly stumbled on this recipe. After peeling and coring the butternut squash, I was left with these luscious and plump seeds that looked too precious to just throw away. I'd already set aside enough to plant in the garden later in the year (although my enthusiasm waned with the changing weather), so I began exploring alternative uses for these beautiful seeds. I was actually looking to recreate a favourite recipe from home - "granat cake" - otherwise known as peanut brittle, so did some research to see what alternatives there might be. After several attempts, this is the recipe that worked for me.

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Ready, Set, Bake:

Nut-Free Brittle Alternative

Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Ingredients:

• 80g butternut squash seeds (pepitas)

• 100g millet flakes

• 200g granulated sugar

• 80ml water

• 25ml golden syrup

• 30g vegan butter

• 1/8 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare a baking tray with parchment and set aside.

2. Toast the butternut squash seeds and millet flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and continue until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma. Alternatively, you can toast the seeds and flakes in the oven for around 10mins at 200c. Don't miss this step out! It adds depth and enhances the flavours.

3. To create the caramel base, in a separate pan, combine granulated sugar, golden syrup and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the butter and bring it to the boil without stirring. Reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture reaches 154c. Allow the mixture to caramelise into a golden-brown hue. Be attentive, as caramelisation can happen quickly.

4. Once the caramel reaches the desired colour, carefully add the baking soda and toasted butternut squash seeds and millet flakes. Stir quickly to coat the seeds and grains evenly with the caramel.

5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

6. Using a flat metal palette knife transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool. Once cooled and hardened, break it into pieces.

7. You can use the brittle as is, if you wish. It makes a delightful treat to snack on. To turn into a praline paste, pop it into a food processor and whizz it into a fine powder. You now have a delectable nut-free praline alternative ready to be incorporated into your culinary creations.

Substitutes:

• Pumpkin Seeds: You can use different types of squash seeds in place of the butternut squash seeds. But be careful with pumpkin seeds as they have a tendency to turn baked goods slightly green because they react to the baking soda.

• Oat Flakes: Millet flakes can be a bit tricky to track down, so feel free to use oat flakes if there are no allergies.

Baking Ideas:

• Baking Enhancer: Add the nut-free praline alternative to cookie batter, muffins, or cakes to impart a rich, nutty flavour without the use of actual nuts.

• Alternative to Almond Flour: Pop the brittle mixture into a food processor and whizz into a fine powder. Use this to substitute almond flour in recipes to maintain the nutty essence while catering to nut allergies.

•Topper for Desserts: Sprinkle the praline alternative over ice cream, yogurt, or fruit salads for an added crunch and burst of flavour.

Nut-Free, nuttiness!

And there you have it, dear friends! Whether you're baking for yourself or for guests with nut allergies, this delightful alternative is sure to become a staple in your baking tool box. The nut-free brittle/praline is such a versatile treat to have, that take your bakes to the next level. Get creative in the kitchen and explore the endless possibilities of this unique blend of seeds and grains. An allergy friendly treat that brings a nutty and caramelised essence, it's definitely a must have. Make it in larger batches and keep in an airtight container for up to 3 months.