CALIFORNIA GROWN
Today, we celebrate the Golden State’s sweet side with a simple yet delightful recipe for Pistachio Almond Honeycomb Candy. Whether you are looking for a homemade holiday gift for a loved one or you want to appease your sweet tooth, this simple candy fits the bill every single time.
Ever heard of hokey pokey, honeycomb toffee, sponge candy, or seafoam candy? The truth is, they’re all versions of this popular candy just with different names. The appeal of this type of candy lies in its delightful crunch and the way it effortlessly melts in your mouth, making it a favorite among children and adults alike. Our recipe enhances this delightful homemade confection with the rich flavors of California-grown pistachios and almonds, making each bite a celebration of the Golden State’s agricultural bounty.
While both honeycomb candy and nut brittle are beloved confections, they differ significantly in texture and preparation.
Honeycomb candy is known for its airy, sponge-like structure, created by the chemical reaction of baking soda with caramelized sugar. This reaction produces carbon dioxide bubbles, creating a light, crunchy texture that melts in the mouth. Honeycomb candy typically features a deep caramel flavor and is often enjoyed on its own or coated in chocolate.
On the other hand, nut brittle is a denser, harder candy made by embedding nuts, such as pistachios, peanuts, or almonds, in a clear, caramelized sugar syrup. It has a glass-like consistency and a snap when broken. Both treats have a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch, but each offers a distinct sensory experience: honeycomb candy with its delicate, foam-like texture and nut brittle with its firm, crystalline crunch.
Grown in the sun-kissed orchards of California, pistachios are more than just a tasty snack. They are a testament to California’s agricultural prowess. Pistachios require specific growing conditions, and California’s climate offers the perfect mix of cool winters and long, hot summers. This is ideal for pistachios, which need a period of winter dormancy followed by a warm growing season. The result? Plump, flavorful nuts that are perfect for our honeycomb candy.
Now, let’s buzz into the sweet world of honey. California, known for its diverse ecosystems, is home to a variety of honey flavors, each as unique as the flora from which the bees forage. This natural sweetener is made by bees using nectar from flowers and it plays a crucial role in our honeycomb candy, adding a depth of flavor that’s purely Californian.
Almonds are another Californian treasure. These nuts are not only delicious but are packed with nutrients. In our recipe, they bring a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor, complementing the pistachios and honey beautifully.
Step-by-Step How To Make Honeycomb Candy
Gather ingredients.
Chop pistachios.
Bring sugar, honey, & water to a boil.
Cook undisturbed until the temperature reaches 290 degrees.
Stir in 1 cup pistachios and 1 cup almonds.
Pour the mixture onto a lined baking sheet and top with nuts.
Allow to cool at room temperature. Then break into pieces with your hands.
To help consumers recognize California's role in food production and to connect them with the farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers that grow over 400 specialty crops in the Golden State. And Since California produces over 50% of the nation's produce, we have lots of stories to tell.