Peanut Brittle Recipe
Description
Indulge in the nostalgia of homemade treats with this timeless Peanut Brittle recipe, passed down from the pages of a well-loved, albeit weathered, cookbook, possibly Betty Crocker’s vintage collection. Despite its simple ingredients, mastering the art of peanut brittle may require a few attempts, but the rewards are immeasurable—a crunchy, golden confection that embodies the essence of tradition and holiday cheer.
Recipe Information
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 pounds
- Category: Candy
- Keywords: Dessert, Fruit, Nuts, Christmas, < 15 Mins, Stove Top
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 2507.7
- Fat: 129.3g
- Saturated Fat: 26.4g
- Cholesterol: 45.8mg
- Sodium: 1215.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 317.8g
- Fiber: 19.3g
- Sugar: 204.8g
- Protein: 58.7g
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup water (divided)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 3 tbsp butter (or margarine)
- 1 cup peanuts (unsalted, preferably)
Instructions
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Prepare Baking Sheets: Start by buttering two baking sheets generously. Ensure they are warm and ready for the candy mixture.
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Prepare Soda Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the baking soda, 1 teaspoon of water, and vanilla extract. Set this mixture aside for later use.
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Combine Sugar and Syrup: In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, 1 cup of water, and the light corn syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches 240 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer, also known as the soft ball stage.
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Incorporate Butter and Peanuts: Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, stir in the butter (or margarine) and peanuts. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit, known as the hard crack stage. It’s crucial to watch the mixture closely at this stage to prevent burning.
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Add Soda Mixture: Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat once it reaches the hard crack stage. Carefully stir in the prepared soda mixture until it’s fully incorporated. Be prepared for the mixture to foam up—it’s a normal reaction.
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Spread Mixture: Quickly pour half of the candy mixture onto each of the prepared baking sheets. Using the back of a wooden spoon, spread the mixture as thinly as possible. Work swiftly, as the mixture will begin to harden as it cools.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely on the baking sheets. Once cooled, break the candy into serving-sized pieces using your hands or a kitchen mallet.
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Enjoy: Indulge in the sweet, crunchy goodness of homemade Peanut Brittle. Serve it as a delightful dessert or package it in festive tins for thoughtful gifts during the holiday season.
This classic Peanut Brittle recipe captures the essence of homemade goodness, making it a cherished addition to any culinary repertoire. With its irresistible crunch and timeless flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite for generations to come.