Peanut Brittle

 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp warm water

2 tsp vanilla

2 cups sugar

1 cup water

1 cup light corn syrup

3 Tbls butter

1 lb. (aprox. 3 cups) Spanish peanuts - these can be hard to find at times but worth the effort

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and place in 250 degree oven to keep them warm.  

Combine 1 tsp water, baking soda and vanilla and set aside.

Combine sugar, 1 cup water and corn syrup in large pot. Cook over medium heat stirring occasionally until mixture reaches 240 degrees.  This is not a quick process resist the urge to increase the heat.

Stir in butter and peanuts.  Continue to cook stirring constantly until the mixture reaches 300 degrees. Watch carefully it can scorch and burn if you don't stir constantly.  Remove from heat and stir in soda mixture.  Quickly pour half of mixture on each baking sheet and spread until mixture is at least 1/4 inch thick.  The thinner you can spread the mixture the better the end result will be.  Sprinkle with course salt if desired.  Cool and break into pieces.