I made two batches of miniature brittle for a custom order this week, and I’d like to share my technique with you so you can make tiny brittle of your own. Here, I’ll outline how to make brittle with chunks of ice cream cone and roasted peanuts, but you can substitute any mix ins you like.
Start by preparing the miniature ice cream cone. The easiest way to do this is to use a mold (get ice cream cone molds here and here). Instead of filling the mold to capacity with clay, however, press a thin sheet of light tan clay into the mold, firmly enough to imprint the cone texture onto the surface.
Use light brown and medium brown crushed chalk pastel to add color to the surface of the cone with a dry paint brush.
If your clay is very warm and soft, place it in the freezer for ten minutes before proceeding. Using either a sharp blade or a needle tool, tear off chunks of ice cream cone.
Now, make the miniature peanuts. Roll out small balls of light tan clay and roll each ball slightly to elongate it into a peanut shape. Brush medium reddish brown chalk pastel onto the peanuts to give them a roasted coloring.
Prepare the base of the candy brittle by squirting translucent liquid clay into a small dish. Grate light and medium chalk pastel into the clay and stir to combine. Keep in mind that the more chalk you add, the more opaque your brittle will be, so adjust the amount to achieve the look you want. You can also add less medium brown if you want more of a lighter, honey-colored brittle.
Create a shallow “dish” to hold the liquid clay out of a small piece of foil. This gives the brittle a more textured appearance on the bottom, but if you prefer a perfectly smooth brittle, use an oven-safe dish or pan instead (like this or this).
Scrape the liquid clay into the foil dish and sprinkle your ice cream cone pieces and peanuts on top. Bake in a preheated oven at the clay manufacturer’s recommended temperature for fifteen minutes.
While the clay is still slightly warm, tear the brittle into chunks. This is made easier by pressing a blade against the clay where you intend to tear it and using the blade to hold one side of the clay down, tearing the free side away with your fingers–be careful! You can also start a cut with the blade and use your fingers to tear the clay apart at the cut mark. Again, this is more easily done when the clay is still slightly warm.
Finish by brushing the brittle with a thin coat of satin polymer clay varnish. Your brittle can be served in cute tins like these (get the round tins here, and the square tins here):
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April 25, 2014 at 2:29 am
Impressive! Brittle has such an uneven texture, it’s really interesting to see how you replicate it in miniature. 🙂
April 25, 2014 at 2:32 am
Thanks! I feel like I’ve been doing a lot of symmetrical, packaged foods lately, so it was nice to do something a bit more messy and organic for a change. 🙂
April 25, 2014 at 2:37 am
I get like that with my painting too. 🙂
April 25, 2014 at 2:42 am
🙂 Speaking of your painting, I need to check out your blog. I’ve been so buried in work that I’ve totally gotten out of my regular blog-reading routine…
April 25, 2014 at 2:46 am
Oh, don’t even worry about it! I’m behind on reading blogs AND emails (I still owe you one!)! <3
April 25, 2014 at 2:49 am
hee hee It’s all good. I’m so behind on most things not related to work, so I’m with you there. Speaking of, when you have a chance (and no rush), can you email me your address? I can feel a letter-writing mood brewing… 😉
April 26, 2014 at 10:55 am
Thanks Mo. I know someone that makes peanut brittle every year and sells it at Christmas time. This would make a sweet surprise for her.
April 26, 2014 at 2:17 pm
What a cute gift idea! Glad you found this post useful, Diane. 🙂
April 27, 2014 at 2:43 pm
………………………………………..Hi Mo, do not know what is going on when I tried to leave a reply, guest I have been away for a while, but try like your other blogger just trying to find the time with jewelry and plus on the committee for next year Virginia State day and no mini foods are included. Really just wanted to let you know that I just love what you do and the peanut brittle is just awesome!!! Keep doing it girl!!!
April 28, 2014 at 2:18 am
Thanks for reading, Dorothy! And I hope you get some free time for your minis soon. 🙂