trencats

Trencats are a traditional Catalan dessert, often described as a kind of Catalan toffee or brittle. The name itself, "trencats," translates to "broken" in Catalan, referring to the way the candy is typically broken into pieces after cooling.

The primary ingredients for trencats are sugar and almonds. The sugar is caramelized to create a hard, amber-colored base. Once the caramel reaches the desired stage, toasted almonds are mixed in. The mixture is then poured onto a flat surface, often a marble slab or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and allowed to cool and harden completely.

As it cools, the mixture solidifies into a brittle sheet. Once hardened, it is broken into irregular shards or pieces. The texture is crisp and crunchy, with the sweetness of the caramel complemented by the nutty flavor and slight chewiness of the almonds. Variations can include the addition of other nuts like hazelnuts or pistachios, or even a hint of citrus zest. Trencats are a popular confection, especially around festive occasions in Catalonia, and are enjoyed as a sweet treat or a simple dessert.