Asian Sweet of the Week: Peanut and Sesame Brittle Candies
Reviewed this week: Peanut Cake from Hurng Fur Foods Factory Co. LTD., Taipei, Taiwan
Ingredients: Peanut (66.7%), Sugar (20.7%), Maltose (7.5%), Salt (0.1%)
Package Copy and Appearance: clear packaging, a little red seal in the upper left saying “nice choice” and information that the product has won “excellent food golden award.” This is probably a one packaging fits all products from the company packaging, seeing as how there are also black and white sesame candies on the bottom.
Comments: Growing up in a Chinese family, I’ve noticed that Chinese/Taiwanese candies/sweets tend to be more focused on sesame seeds, sweet bean paste, peanuts and dried fruits (largely plums). While these are common in Japanese and Korean candies as well, I’ve noticed more of a Western influence that includes chocolate, milk and fruit flavors. I’m curious as to the reason why.
Tasting Notes: Peanut brittle (upper left in picture) - Unlike most of the creamier American brittles this is just hardened sugar. It allows the natural flavor of the peanuts to come through with just sweetness. The bite is very crystalline and crunchy.
Peanut candy (upper right) - Another peanut candy with very finely ground peanuts. Its flavor is vaguely reminscent of the inside of a Butterfinger, but not as sweet or peanut buttery.
White sesame brittle (lower right)- Sweet and nutty. With the high concentration of sesame seeds there’s a nice balance of sweet and nuttiness. The flavor is light and delicate. Less crystalline than the peanut brittle.
Black sesame brittle (lower left) - Darker, deeper and more burnt flavor than the white sesame. It has more concentrated flavor. The brittle serves mostly as a binder and sweetener.
Verdict: I love this selection of candies. Each of them puts the focus on the coated ingredients and brings out their unique flavor. My particular favorite was the crushed peanut candy with its slight butteriness.
