Aunt Ira’s Peanut Brittle

🥜 Aunt Ira’s Peanut Brittle: A Sweet Delight 🍬

Aunt Ira’s Peanut Brittle is a classic and delightful candy that has been a favorite treat for generations. It’s known for its irresistible combination of sweet, crispy, and nutty flavors. Let’s dive into the history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make this delectable treat. 😋

📜 History:
Peanut brittle has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. It was originally made in the Southern United States and quickly gained popularity due to its simple yet satisfying taste. Over the years, variations of peanut brittle have emerged, with Aunt Ira’s recipe being a cherished family tradition.

🥜 Components:
The key ingredients for Aunt Ira’s Peanut Brittle are:

• Peanuts: Typically, unsalted roasted peanuts are used.
• Sugar: White granulated sugar is the primary sweetener.
• Corn syrup: Light corn syrup helps create the perfect texture.
• Water: To dissolve the sugar and corn syrup.
• Baking soda: This is the secret ingredient that gives the brittle its characteristic light and airy texture.
• Butter: A bit of butter enhances the flavor and provides a rich, creamy taste.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:
Here’s how to prepare Aunt Ira’s Peanut Brittle:

1. Prepare the Pan: Grease a baking sheet or a large, heatproof surface. This will prevent the brittle from sticking.

2. Cook Sugar and Corn Syrup: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

3. Add Peanuts: Once the sugar has dissolved, add the peanuts to the mixture and stir well.

4. Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage, which is around 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. The syrup will turn a golden-brown color.

5. Add Butter and Baking Soda: Remove the saucepan from heat, and quickly stir in the butter and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.

6. Pour and Spread: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

7. Cool and Break: Allow the peanut brittle to cool and harden for about 1-2 hours. Once it’s completely cool, you can break it into pieces.

🕒 Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking time for Aunt Ira’s Peanut Brittle can vary, but it generally takes about 30-40 minutes to make, excluding cooling time. The cooling process usually takes an additional 1-2 hours. So, in total, you can expect to have delicious peanut brittle in about 2-3 hours.

Aunt Ira’s Peanut Brittle is a delightful treat with a rich history, and it’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Enjoy making and sharing this classic candy with family and friends! 🥜🍬😊

🥜 Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Peanut Brittle 🍬

While peanut brittle is undeniably delicious, it’s also important to be aware of its nutrition facts and consider its impact on your health. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutritional information and some health considerations for this sweet treat:

📊 Nutrition Facts (per 1-ounce or approximately 28 grams of peanut brittle):

• Calories: Around 130-150 calories
• Total Fat: 6-8 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
• Sodium: 30-50 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 19-22 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: 16-18 grams
• Protein: 2-3 grams

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used.

🍬 Health Information:

1. High Calorie and Sugar Content: Peanut brittle is calorie-dense and contains a significant amount of sugar. It’s a treat best enjoyed in moderation, especially for individuals watching their calorie and sugar intake.

2. Fats: While the fat content mainly comes from the peanuts, which are a good source of healthy fats, the addition of butter can increase saturated fat. Excessive consumption of saturated fat can be detrimental to heart health.

3. Protein: Peanut brittle does provide a small amount of protein due to the peanuts, which are a source of plant-based protein.

4. Sugar and Oral Health: The high sugar content in peanut brittle can contribute to tooth decay and oral health issues. Be sure to brush your teeth after enjoying this sweet treat.

5. Nut Allergies: Peanut brittle is, of course, not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. Always be mindful of allergies when sharing or serving this candy.

6. Portion Control: It’s essential to exercise portion control when indulging in peanut brittle to prevent overconsumption of calories and sugar.

7. Homemade vs. Commercial: Homemade peanut brittle allows for better control of ingredients, such as the type and amount of sugar used. Commercial varieties may contain additional additives and preservatives.

In conclusion, Aunt Ira’s Peanut Brittle is a delicious but calorie and sugar-rich treat. It should be enjoyed in moderation, especially by those who are mindful of their sugar and calorie intake. If you have dietary restrictions or health concerns, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.