Damn Candy

Key · 12-11-2010, 06:54 PM

I guess this recipe hasn't been posted since the old CE forum, so I'll surface a couple of my posts today from the members only area. BEWARE!

--------------------------
I made 25 pounds of my Damn Candy!

As usual, at some point, I yelled out loud, "I'm NEVER making this Damn Candy again!" I believe this is my sixth year making that bold proclaimation.

Don't EVER make it. You will become a slave to the demands of whoever you give it to. Really.

Actually, I'm not quite done. ::sigh:: The second round of six XL trays are still cooling on the porch waiting to be broken into pieces. And the kitchen looks like the Umpa Lumpa's had a freakin food fight w/chocolate.

It'll have to wait....I need rum....and the Umpa Lumpa's need to come clean up their damn mess. Oh yea, and "Merry Christmas...here's your Damn Candy!"

---------------------
The recipe?

O.K., But don't say I didn't warn you!

One 'innocent' little batch can be made in the microwave...the original recipe. I deal with pounds and double boilers now.

1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pistashios (divided)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
2/3-3/4 cup white chocolate chips

Melt the chocolates separately (white & dark).
Stir cranberries and 1/4 cup pistashios into the dark chocolate.
Spread this mix onto foil lined cookie tray. Preheating the tray helps w/spreading.
Add the white chocolate on top in ribbons or blobs.
Marble the chocolates with a knife.
Sprinkle the rest of the pistashios on top and gently pat to imbed.
Cool until firm in fridge or outside.
Break into pieces and run for your life.

This original recipe makes about 3/4 pound. An XL cookie sheet holds roughly 3 batches.

If you you make it, don't tell anyone...don't share even a single piece....EVER. Don't do it! It's devil candy!!! I swear! If you end up making multiple pounds of it next year...not my fault...you were warned.

DON'T DO IT!

occupant · 12-11-2010, 10:08 PM

OMG this wonderful damn candy! I lost the recipe when my 'puter died last year. Thanx for the repost Key, I'll bet your house smells divine!

Then you have seen the price increase of pistachios since last year, eh? Crikey, I've been pricing them lately for DH and dahm, doubled in price.Found some for $6.49 lb Friday and DH has almost polished them off already. Now I want to make that damn candy (occ runs to hide the rest of the pistachios)but I may use dried cherries.Have you tried cherries instead of cranberries?

rootdiggr · 12-11-2010, 10:35 PM

I love this stuff. Thanks again for the recipe.

CanadaSue · 12-11-2010, 10:44 PM

Dried cherries? OMG - would that come with a free DIY stent?

rb. · 12-11-2010, 10:48 PM

Thanks, Key. Will give me something to do at the in laws over the holidays.

CanadaSue · 12-11-2010, 10:49 PM

Make them & share it with them & they may shackle you to the stove to keep making it.

Key · 12-11-2010, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by occupant

Then you have seen the price increase of pistachios since last year, eh? Crikey, I've been pricing them lately for DH and dahm, doubled in price.Found some for $6.49 lb Friday and DH has almost polished them off already. Now I want to make that damn candy (occ runs to hide the rest of the pistachios)but I may use dried cherries.Have you tried cherries instead of cranberries?

Have for sure noticed price increase. After raw fingertips the first year from shelling pistashios, I swore I would never do that again! I buy the pre-shelled pistashios at Sam's Club. $10 a pound (I think $8 lb last year) and worth every penny. My fingers thank me.

I buy all my Damn Candy supplies at Sam's. I save enough money just on that to justify my membership for the year.

I have no doubt cherries would be great...but those are also pricey. Dried cranberries are just $6.79 for a 3 lb bag @ Sam's.

Glad y'all have enjoyed the Damn Candy!

SarahS · 12-12-2010, 05:28 AM

Is it possible to use pecans? I have five pounds of those!

And I think I'll have to try this tomorrow...

Key · 12-12-2010, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarahS

Is it possible to use pecans? I have five pounds of those!

And I think I'll have to try this tomorrow...

Please let us know how it turns out with pecans!

I've thought of trying cashews but love the sweet and salty mix with pistachios. 4 pounds of pre-shelled pistachios were the most expensive part of the candy this year. I may have to consider other options in the future.

occupant · 12-12-2010, 03:55 PM

I love the red of the berries, the green of the 'stachios and a wee bit of the white chips topped off,for the holiday look of this candy!

Cactus Az · 12-24-2010, 10:05 AM

I`ve done some experimenting.
Dries cherries makes for an awesome Damn candy.
I have several bags put back for later to treat my gout. It`s a mix of 3 different cherries. Got at Sam`s,I believe.

SIL likes milk choc., so, I tried it, and it`s damn good,too.

DD likes cashews, it`s also quite good.

I`m on my 6th batch.

DAMN CANDY !!

Feather · 12-11-2011, 12:17 AM

I used to make this with chow mein noodles in it, gave it a crunch and a little different taste. And everyone is so right, it is addictive! One of the ex's friends would go through an entire batch if I let him.

Key · 12-11-2011, 05:47 PM

Looks like I'm about an hour ahead of where I was on this same day last year...making Damn Candy.

Blisters on my fingers from stirring chocolate all day. Final 6 trays still cooling on the porch and an unholy mess in the kitchen. Damn candy!

Mama Alanna · 12-11-2011, 07:19 PM

Note to self: do not use BJ's house brand chocolate chips. They don't melt worth a damn.

Key · 12-11-2011, 07:32 PM

I hear ya, Mama.

The Ghirardelli Bittersweet chocolate chips from Sam's Club work really great. However, the Ghirardelli 'candy making' white chocolate slabs, also from Sam's -- sucks! It's the bane of my existence! At least half the time it melts to the consistency... of chunky peanut butter.

I need to try something else next year.

AndreaCA · 12-11-2011, 08:20 PM

THANKS for the recipe! I have got lots of almonds, how would those work? Has anyone tried it?

I'm going to try a quick batch of this tonight after The Messiah. And I'll use the ingredients from the op. Thanks so much!

Key · 12-11-2011, 09:06 PM

Whatever your favorite nut is would likely work. I've only tried pistashios and cashews. I still like pistashios best.

If I were using an unsalted nut, I would probably add a light sprinkle of kosher or sea salt on top. I like the sweet/salty combo but that's just a personal preference.

Try it and let us know if it's good. Just know that next year you'll be making multiple pounds on Damn Candy Day.

Yeah, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is on network TV tonight -- how appropriate.

occupant · 12-11-2011, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Key

Yeah, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is on network TV tonight -- how appropriate.

LOL ! I couldn't make that Damn Candy today, car being worked on and I find that I bought Unsalted Pistachios, yuck! Will stop for the proper ones tomorrow. How annoying !

Cactus Az · 12-12-2011, 08:49 AM

I was thinking about a sprinkling of sea salt and/or chili pepper.
I think they would add a nice note.
Once I get over this bronchitis/cold whatever the great grands gave to me,I`ll experiment.

AndreaCA · 12-12-2011, 04:39 PM

Made a TRIPLE batch and had to quickly get it packaged up before it all disappeared! This stuff is great! Thank you!

Key · 12-12-2011, 10:24 PM

Packaging done! YAY!!

There is ONE good thing about making Damn Candy in huge quantity.

After you break up and package 13 trays of the stuff, you are left with this little bowl full of pistashio and chocolate crumbs. AWESOME ice cream topping!

I already have my Damn Candy Sundae plugged into Cron-o-Meter for tomorrow. 381 calories - I deserve it!

CanadaSue · 12-12-2011, 10:28 PM

I haven't baked a thing yet. Currently, a ginormous mixing bowl sits on top of the fridge. It has all the ingredients in it for shortbread - measured, sifted... & there it sits. I MIGHT summon up the... whatever to actually mix it up shape it & cook it tomorrow.

Damned candy is going to wait until closer to Christmas because I have a sneaking suspicion if I make it now... that's ALL that's going to get made the next several weeks - various iterations thereof.

AndreaCA · 12-05-2012, 10:36 PM

Okay, just made all of my almond brittle, now it's time for the DAMNED CANDY! This stuff was a huge hit last year and responsible for at least 2 of the pounds that have been plaguing my hip area since I made it last year!

Hmmm, this first batch better be a test batch to make sure it's as good as I remember . . .

SarahS · 12-09-2012, 03:32 PM

We made it... a great hit with all concerned! We have an addition - crushed peppermint on top

Sarrah · 12-10-2012, 12:23 AM

That makes you first clocking in this year SarahS.

I needed more walnuts and almonds ordered. What a dreadful shock the prices are. I told DH be prepared for next year. Either we use what we get off of our own tree or probably do without. It will be sitting patiently with a hammer tapping out the almonds. It is walnuts that I like to make the Mexican Wedding cookies with. I have no pistachios but I can see where a soft nut is probably better in this candy. I think the peppermint was an inspiration indeed.