Peanut Brittle

Imagine a sweet treat that shatters with a satisfying crack, revealing a golden network of caramelized sugar and perfectly roasted peanuts. This Peanut Brittle is a timeless confection that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.

Perfect for holiday gifting, special occasions, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this classic candy promises to transport you to memories of grandma's kitchen and time-honored traditions.

Peanut Brittle: A Crunchy Candy-Making Adventure

Prepare to master the art of candy making with this foolproof recipe. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home cook, creating your own peanut brittle is easier than you might imagine.

Get ready to discover how a few simple ingredients can transform into a golden, crunchy delicacy that will impress everyone who takes a bite.

Serving Suggestions:

Your Peanut Brittle shines when:

• Served as a sweet after-dinner treat
• Crumbled over ice cream
• Packaged as a homemade gift
• Paired with strong coffee
• Enjoyed with a glass of milk

Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Brittle:

Temperature Precision: Use a candy thermometer for accurate results. Candy-making is a science!

Baking Soda Magic: This ingredient creates tiny air bubbles, giving the brittle its signature light, crispy texture.

Peanut Preparation: Use raw peanuts for the best roasting and flavor development.

Cooling Technique: Allow the brittle to cool completely before breaking to ensure a crisp texture.

Storage Secrets: Keep your brittle in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness.

Peanut Brittle Recipe Details:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Cooling time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 1 large batch (about 1 pound)
• Equipment: Heavy-bottomed saucepan, candy thermometer, baking sheet

This recipe is more than just a sweet treat – it's a culinary adventure that connects you to a beloved traditional candy.

Ingredients:

For the Brittle:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• ½ cup water
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups raw peanuts
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

1. Begin by preparing your workspace. Grease a large baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents the brittle from sticking and makes removal easy.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely. This process takes about 5 minutes, and you'll know it's ready when the liquid becomes clear and smooth.
3. Carefully increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, making sure the bulb is submerged in the syrup but not touching the bottom. This helps you monitor the temperature precisely.
4. Cook the syrup without stirring until it reaches 280°F, which is known as the soft-crack stage. This is a critical moment in your candy-making journey, so watch the thermometer closely.
5. Once the syrup hits 280°F, add the raw peanuts to the pot. Gently stir them in, ensuring they're evenly coated with the syrup. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F – the hard-crack stage. At this point, the syrup will turn a rich golden brown, and the peanuts will be perfectly roasted.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up dramatically as the baking soda reacts, creating a light and airy texture in the brittle.
7. Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out as thinly and evenly as possible. Work quickly, as the brittle will start to set almost immediately.
8. Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature. This should take about 30 minutes. Once fully hardened, break it into pieces with your hands or a mallet.

Storage Solutions:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature
• Keep away from humidity
• Will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks
• Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking
• Do not refrigerate, as moisture can make it sticky

Whether you're recreating a childhood favorite or discovering a new sweet obsession, this Peanut Brittle is guaranteed to delight. Simple, classic, and utterly irresistible, it's a testament to the magic of simple ingredients transformed by heat and skill.

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