6 crackin' good reasons to snap to it

Here's a snappy idea: make a batch of brittle. Or sesame snaps. Or praline. Yes, make praline and smash it up to edge ice-cream sandwiches, decorate a dessert or - you know you want to - make breakfast decadent by scattering it over granola and ice-cream. Of course, there's plenty of crackin' good fun in just snacking on a bit of brittle. Here are some of our favourite variations.

Source: John Laurie

1. The answer to "can't decide"

Not sure if you feel like honeycomb or peanut brittle? Make this honeycomb peanut brittle, light and crisp and studded with salty nuts - and very easy to make. The hardest bit is leaving it alone for an hour while it sets.

2. Salt and sugar and chocolate and nuts

Salt, sugar and chocolate are having a party right. And they invited pistachios along to join the fun. These elegant shards of chocolate and pistachio-coated brittle with vanilla salt make a very pretty gift.

Source: Petrina Tinslay

3. Praline meets cookie dough

Hands up if you love gingerbread? And cookie dough chunks in ice-cream? Then this one's for you. Praline crumbs are the finishing touch on these gingerbread cookie dough ice-cream sandwiches.

Gingerbread cookie dough ice-cream sandwiches with praline

4. Sort-of crispy, sort-of chewy

These are supposed to last for 3 months in an airtight container. But we think they'll disappear well before that! Ggae gwa ja (sesame snap candies) are a popular Koran sweet snack. Make them with white or black sesame seeds, or a mixture.

5. Buy sesame snaps, create super snack

Popcorn is always fun, but coffee-chocolate flavoured popcorn with sesame snaps takes it to a whole new level. Make this mocha popcorn for your next movie night at home.

Source: Amanda McLauchlan

6. Such pretty pieces

Sohan-e qom is an Iranian brittle, perfumed with saffron and decorated with pistachios and barberries.

Source: John Laurie

7. Frozen lychee and coconut cream with sesame praline

This is an easy frozen dessert that needs not ice-cream machine or churning. The sesame praline adds a sweet-salty crunch.

Frozen lychee and coconut cream with sesame praline Source: Benito Martin

Plus: The classic

You want good old-fashioned peanut brittle? Here it is.

Source: Dieu Tan