Peanut brittle is a timeless candy enjoyed by people of all ages. This crunchy treat is surprisingly simple to make at home, and the results are far superior to anything you’ll find store-bought. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a batch of peanut brittle that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
2 cups granulated sugar
Directions:
1. Prepare a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the peanut brittle from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine sugar and corn syrup: In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a boil: Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Resist the urge to stir the mixture at this point, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize.
4. Insert candy thermometer: Insert a candy thermometer into the boiling sugar mixture.
5. Reach for the hard crack stage: Continue cooking the sugar mixture without stirring until it reaches the hard crack stage, which is 300-310 degrees Fahrenheit (149-154 degrees Celsius).
6. Add butter and baking soda: Once the sugar mixture reaches the hard crack stage, remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the unsalted butter. Be careful, as the hot sugar mixture will splatter. Once the butter is incorporated, stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up vigorously, so be sure to stand back to avoid getting burned.
7. Incorporate peanuts: Quickly stir in the roasted peanuts, ensuring they are evenly coated with the hot sugar mixture.
8. Pour onto baking sheet: Immediately pour the hot peanut brittle mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mixture into an even layer using a heat-resistant spatula.
9. Let cool completely: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature. This can take several hours.
10. Break into pieces: Once the peanut brittle is cool and hardened, break it into pieces of your desired size. You can use a serrated knife or your hands to break the brittle.
11. Store in an airtight container: Store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 230
Please note: This is just an estimate, and the actual nutritional content of your peanut brittle may vary depending on the ingredients you use.
Conclusion
Homemade peanut brittle is a delicious and rewarding treat to make. With a little practice, you’ll be churning out perfect batches of peanut brittle in no time. So next time you’re craving a sweet snack, ditch the store-bought stuff and whip up a batch of this classic candy at home.
FAQs
1. Can I use roasted and salted peanuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use roasted and salted peanuts for this recipe. However, keep in mind that the salted peanuts will add an additional layer of flavor to the peanut brittle. If you prefer a sweeter peanut brittle, you may want to use unsalted peanuts.
2. How can I tell if my peanut brittle has reached the hard crack stage?
The best way to tell if your peanut brittle has reached the hard crack stage is to use a candy thermometer. The sugar mixture should reach a temperature of 300-310 degrees Fahrenheit (149-154 degrees Celsius). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can do a cold water test. Simply drop a small amount of the hot sugar mixture into a bowl of cold water. If the candy hardens immediately and becomes brittle, then it has reached the hard crack stage.
3. My peanut brittle turned out too soft. What did I do wrong?
If your peanut brittle turned out too soft, it’s likely that the sugar mixture did not reach the hard crack stage. Be sure to cook the sugar mixture until it reaches the correct temperature before adding the butter and peanuts.
4. My peanut brittle turned out too hard. What did I do wrong?
