Fruit and Nut Matzah Crunch
- Preparing Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Served Person: 0
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of sea salt
- 3 - 4 pieces of plain matzah
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks cut in chunks)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 cup chocolate chips i used mini semi sweet and threw in about 1/4 cup extra
- assorted dried fruit and nuts i used sliced almonds, crushed pistachios, dried cranberries, dried apricots.
- optional - white chocolate drizzle - 1/4 cup melti melted stir at 30 seconds and then stir at a minute.
- Carbohydrate 326.260900089614 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 50.4025200426057 g
- Fiber 9.9120001685964 g
- Protein 7.32732000596479 g
- Saturated Fat 29.8204200252084 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (396g)
- Sodium 81.5780000156221 mg
- Sugar 316.348899921017 g
- Trans Fat 2.21575200187181 g
- Calories 1668 calories
Fruit and Nut Matzah Crunch: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, but sometimes, the craving for something sweet hits hard. This Fruit and Nut Matzah Crunch recipe has become my go-to for satisfying those cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. It's surprisingly easy, requires minimal ingredients, and the results are simply divine. The crunchy matzah, the gooey toffee, the rich chocolate, and the delightful mix of fruits and nuts – it's the perfect combination of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts and dried fruits. I often use what I have on hand, sometimes opting for pecans and walnuts instead of almonds and pistachios, or switching up the dried fruits depending on the season. The possibilities are endless! It’s a great way to use up those leftover bits and pieces of dried fruit and nuts, preventing them from going to waste. And if you're feeling extra decadent, a drizzle of white chocolate adds that extra touch of elegance.
This recipe is perfect for a quick dessert after dinner, a sweet snack for a busy afternoon, or even a delightful addition to a party spread. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, and the cleanup is minimal. The prep time is incredibly short, and the baking time is equally manageable. You can even prep most of it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. This makes it an ideal dessert for those days when time is of the essence.
Beyond the Recipe: A Slice of Life
Baking this crunchy treat isn't just about following instructions; it's about creating a moment of calm amidst the chaos. The rhythmic stirring of the toffee mixture, the satisfying crackle of the matzah in the oven, the aroma of melted chocolate and toasted nuts filling the kitchen – these are the small joys that remind me to slow down and appreciate the simpler things in life. It's a ritual that connects me to my family and creates a sense of warmth and comfort. Sharing this treat with loved ones makes the experience even more rewarding, turning a simple dessert into a cherished memory.
Tips and Variations:
While the recipe is straightforward, here are a few tips and variations you can experiment with:
- Nutty Variations: Try adding macadamia nuts, cashews, or even roasted peanuts for a unique flavor profile.
- Fruity Delights: Experiment with different dried fruits like cherries, figs, or mango. The possibilities are endless!
- Chocolate Choices: Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even a combination of different chocolates can create a different flavor experience. Don't be afraid to experiment!
- Spice it Up: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and complexity to the flavor.
- Make it Ahead: Prepare the ingredients ahead of time for a super quick assembly when you are ready to bake.
More than just a recipe, this Fruit and Nut Matzah Crunch is a testament to the joy of simple baking and the sweet moments it creates.
Step-by-step
- Line a 11 x 17 baking sheet with foil and top with a piece of parchment paper.
- Place matzah pieces on the sheet, using smaller pieces to fill in gaps.
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat until boiling. Stir constantly until the mixture is bubbly and thickens. About 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it so that it doesn't scorch.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla and salt.
- Immediately, pour hot toffee mixture over the matzah.
- Place in oven for 15 minutes watching that it doesn't burn. I checked it at 10 minutes and needed to turn the temperature down to 325F.
- Once the matzah is nice and bubbly remove from oven and pour the chocolate chips over.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes and then spread the melted chocolate with an offset spatula to cover right to the edges.
- Sprinkle with desired toppings and let cool completely.
- Once cool, you can drizzle melted white or any flavor chocolate for a nice touch.
- Let it set in fridge for 30 minutes.
- Once it's hardened, break into pieces and serve or store in an airtight container for up to a week (that will never happen though)
