Gather 1 cup nuts, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon butter, and 1 teaspoon baking soda
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat
Toast the nuts lightly if desired
Combine sugar and water in a heavy saucepan over medium heat
Stir until the sugar dissolves
Cook without stirring until the mixture turns golden amber
Add butter and stir quickly
Add nuts and mix to coat evenly
Remove from heat
Stir in baking soda quickly
Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet
Spread it thinly with a spatula
Let it cool completely
Break into pieces once hardened