Candies by Vletas
Peanut Brittle

Ingredients:

1 Cup light corn syrup

2 Cups sugar

1/2 cup water

2 cups raw peanuts

1 1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. soda

1 1/2 Tbls. butter or margarine

Preparation

Mix salt and soda together and set aside.

Use heavy stainless steel or stainless with copper bottom sauce pan.  DO NOT use aluminum.  They get hot spots and the brittle will burn before you know it.

Put corn syrup and water into pan over medium-high heat.

After it warms up, but before it starts to boil, add sugar.

Use wooden spoon, stir occasionally, bring to full boil.

Insert candy thermometer

While candy is cooking, oil a large baking sheet or marble pastry board with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Set aside.

When temperature reaches 250, add peanuts

Bring mixture back to full boil.

The stirring is very important.  If you stir too much, the candy won't turn golden brown.

If you don't stir enough the peanuts will burn and the syrup will burn on the sides of the pan.

Don't let the fear of burning prevent you from letting the candy brown. If it doesn't brown the brittle will be pale and won't have the toasty flavor.

When temperature reaches 290, if brittle is golden brown, remove from heat.  If not golden brown, cook to 300.  DO NOT COOK OVER 300.

If you do, the candy will be spongy and weak.

Immediately after removing from heat, add vanilla and butter.

Stir until butter is melted

Add soda and sale mixture.

Stir well.  The mixture will begin to foam and will double in volume.

Put mixture onto the oiled baking sheet or marble slab.

Use an oiled spatula to spread and flatten brittle to desired thickness.

Slide oiled spatula or knife between marble slab or baking sheet several times while cooling to prevent sticking.

Cool completely.

After cooling, brittle can be broken by hand or with back of a large spoon.  Use gloves to prevent cutting your hands.  And be easy with whatever you are whacking the brittle with because the candy will splatter everywhere.

If you are on a sodium restricted diet, you can leave out the salt, but the flavor won't be the same.

Try to cook on a dry day.  If the humidity is high the candy might not set.  If will just stay sticky.

Don't pour the brittle out on plastic wrap or wax paper.  It is way to hot and will melt it into the candy.