Peanut Candy

Directions

• Start by removing the peanut skin if necessary. You can buy peanuts already skinned to save time.
• In a large frying pan, toast the peanuts over medium heat until golden. Stir constantly to ensure all sides are evenly toasted.
• Remove the peanuts from the pan and let them cool slightly. Then grind them in a food processor until you get a grainy texture. Do not process for too long, as we want to maintain the texture of the paçoca.
• In a pan, add the sugar and place over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts completely and reaches a caramelized color.
• Add the crushed peanuts to the caramel and stir quickly to combine well.
• Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to come away from the bottom of the pan.
• Turn off the heat and wait for the mixture to cool slightly, but still be warm.
• With your hands greased with a little oil, shape small pieces of the mixture into a cylinder shape, compacting well to form paçocas.
• Let the paçocas cool completely before storing in an airtight container.