Peanut Chews
Sweet, nutty peanut chews with a rich honey and maple flavor, perfect for those craving homemade confections or a satisfying treat with a crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour honey and maple syrup into a saucepan and cook until a small amount of mixture forms a hard ball when dropped into very cold water (255° F on candy thermometer).
- Remove from heat, add baking soda and cream of tartar; mix well.
- Stir in roasted peanuts and pour into a buttered 8 x 8 x 2 inch pan.
- Cool and cut into 1-inch squares.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect consistency, ensure your candy thermometer is accurate before starting. If you don't have maple syrup, brown rice syrup can be a suitable substitute. For a nut-free version, try using sunflower seeds instead of peanuts. When adding baking soda and cream of tartar, mix quickly to avoid lumps. Be cautious with the hot syrup to prevent burns.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the Peanut Chews into 1-inch squares for easy serving. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. For an extra treat, serve them alongside Joan's Strawberry Jello for a refreshing contrast. These chews also make great additions to gift baskets or dessert trays during gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Peanut Chews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life to about two weeks. To enjoy them later, simply allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Chews contains roughly 284 calories, with 8g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1683mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute roasted peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews. Just ensure they are roasted and unsalted for the best flavor. Keep in mind that different nuts may alter the texture slightly, so choose one that you enjoy.
What should I do if the mixture doesn't reach the hard ball stage?
If your mixture doesn't reach the hard ball stage, continue cooking it for a few more minutes while monitoring the temperature. If it cools down too much, it may not set correctly. You can also test it periodically by dropping small amounts into cold water to check the consistency.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Peanut Chews can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. Just ensure they are completely cooled before cutting and storing them in an airtight container. They are perfect for prepping snacks for the week or for special occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).