MADE WITH LOVE

Three ideas for sweet edible gifts you can make at home

- KERSTIN NIEHOFF and LAURA FLEITER

Peanut brittle

20 MINUTES | MAKES 12 PIECES | EASY

A crunchy delight for all those who love nut brittle and sweets. You can substitute any type of nuts you have in your cupboard for this recipe, or choose your favourites. This recipe is a perfect alternative to Christmas cookies with an afternoon tea or coffee.

unsalted peanuts 250g, coarsely chopped

maple syrup 4 tbsp

caster sugar 200g

butter 1 tbsp

baking powder a pinch

sea salt flakes a pinch

• Toast the nuts in a dry frying pan over high heat until beginning to colour. Remove from the pan and set aside.

• Reduce the heat to medium and put the maple syrup, sugar, butter and 4 tbsp of water in the pan. Whisk until the mixture turns creamy but stop stirring as soon as it starts to boil. Simmer for 5-8 minutes or until the mixture begins to darken.

• Tip in the peanuts and briefly toss them in the pan so they’re well coated. Stir in the baking powder with a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to firm up.

• Carefully transfer the mixture to a baking tray lined with baking paper and level the surface with the wooden spoon. Sprinkle with the sea salt flakes and leave to cool completely.