Ann’s Crunchy Peanut Brittle

🥜🍬 Ann’s Crunchy Peanut Brittle 🍬🥜

What is it?
Ann’s Crunchy Peanut Brittle is a delightful and classic candy treat that combines the nutty goodness of peanuts with a sweet, crispy, and brittle texture. It’s a beloved confection known for its irresistible combination of sweet and salty flavors.

History:
The origins of peanut brittle can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and the Aztecs, who mixed nuts with honey to create a similar treat. However, the modern peanut brittle we know today likely emerged in the United States in the 19th century. It gained popularity as an affordable and delicious snack, particularly in the Southern United States.

Components:

• Peanuts: The star ingredient! You’ll need roasted, unsalted peanuts.
• Sugar: White granulated sugar is the primary sweetener.
• Corn Syrup: Light corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and adds a chewy texture.
• Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the brittle.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda creates tiny bubbles, making the brittle light and airy.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor contrast with the sweetness.

Steps to Prepare Ann’s Crunchy Peanut Brittle:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:

   • Measure out all your ingredients in advance.
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Have it ready nearby.

2. Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Butter:

   • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.

3. Add Peanuts and Continue Cooking:

   • Once boiling, add the peanuts and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the hard crack stage.

4. Remove from Heat and Add Baking Soda:

   • Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda. Be cautious as it will bubble up.

5. Pour onto Baking Sheet:

   • Immediately pour the hot mixture onto your prepared baking sheet.

6. Spread and Cool:

   • Use a spatula to spread the brittle out into an even layer.
   • Allow it to cool completely. This may take about 30 minutes to an hour.

7. Break into Pieces:

   • Once completely cooled and hardened, break the brittle into pieces using your hands or a mallet.

8. Enjoy!

   • Serve the crunchy peanut brittle as a delicious snack or dessert.

Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Ann’s Crunchy Peanut Brittle will vary, but it typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, including cooling time.

Now you’re all set to enjoy this delightful, sweet, and nutty treat! 🥜🍬👌

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Ann’s Crunchy Peanut Brittle:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximately 1 ounce or 28 grams):

• Calories: About 150-160 calories
• Total Fat: 8-9 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 5-10 milligrams
• Sodium: 70-90 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 16-18 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1 gram
  • Sugars: 12-14 grams
• Protein: 3-4 grams

Health Information:

1. Caloric Content: Ann’s Crunchy Peanut Brittle is a calorie-dense treat, primarily due to the sugar and fat content. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

2. Fats: While peanuts provide healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, the recipe also includes butter. Moderation is key, as excessive saturated fat intake can be detrimental to heart health.

3. Protein: Peanuts in the brittle offer a small amount of protein, which can be a satisfying component of the snack.

4. Sugar: The primary source of sugar in this treat is the sugar and corn syrup. Consuming too much added sugar can contribute to health issues like obesity and tooth decay, so it’s advisable to limit consumption.

5. Sodium: The sodium content is relatively low, but still, it’s important to be mindful of sodium intake, especially if you have high blood pressure.

6. Fiber: While there’s a small amount of dietary fiber from the peanuts, this brittle is not a significant source of fiber.

7. Portion Control: Given the calorie and sugar content, it’s advisable to enjoy peanut brittle in moderation as an occasional treat rather than as a daily snack.

8. Allergies: Peanuts are a common allergen, so be cautious if you or others consuming the brittle have peanut allergies.

Remember that these nutritional values can vary slightly depending on the specific recipe and the brand of ingredients used. It’s always a good practice to check product labels for more precise information and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.