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Part of Holiday Central >
By delightful.e.made
For many people, it’s just not the holidays without a big batch of delicious Peanut Brittle. This classic holiday candy is a favorite for many, and when done correctly, can be a wonderfully delicious treat. Many consider this homemade candy a nice treat to give to friends and neighbors and to share alongside your favorite Christmas cookies.
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1 Prepare your tools and ingredients
Having all of your tools and ingredients on hand, measured out and ready to use before you get started is critical to a great batch of peanut brittle. You don’t want to be fumbling with measuring cups and pouring out the right amount of vanilla when you have boiling candy in front of you. Having all of your ingredients premeasured, and tools at the ready really helps the process greatly. You’ll need 3/4 c. water, 1/2 c. light corn syrup, 2 c. granulated sugar, 2 c. dry roasted peanuts, 2 Tbsp. butter, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 3/4 tsp. baking soda, and 1/2 tsp. salt.
Necessary tools include a medium saucepan, whisk, and wooden spoon or temperature-safe rubber scraper. Additionally, a tool that is essential for this process is a candy thermometer that clips to the side of your saucepan. I found this thermometer for $5 at my local discount store. Having a thermometer is critical to the candy making process, as the temperature of the liquid will determine when you’re adding more ingredients to your liquid.
You’ll also want to prepare a baking sheet, with either a silicone mat or parchment paper. The mat/paper will help ensure the peanut brittle doesn’t stick directly to pan once it has cooled.
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2 Prepare your tools and ingredients
In a medium saucepan, add the water, light corn syrup, and granulated sugar. Begin heating over medium heat and stir with a whisk. Once the liquid comes to a boil, add the candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Continue to stir/whisk until the liquid reaches 265 degrees. This will take about 7-10 minutes.
Once the liquid reaches 265 degrees, add 2 cups of peanuts and continue to stir the candy frequently. Be sure to watch the candy closely, as the temperature will rise quickly. The color will become much more golden, and will appear foamy and creamy. Once the mixture reaches 305 degrees, immediately remove from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla, baking soda and salt. Quickly stir to incorporate, and then immediately pour onto the prepared baking sheet to cool.
This is where having your ingredients pre-measured and ready to go really comes in handy. You’ll need to work quickly in adding the butter, vanilla, baking soda and salt. Once the mixture begins to cool, it will start hardening.
3 Let the peanut brittle cool completely
Once you’ve poured the hot candy onto the baking sheet, spread it out with a spoon or rubber scraper as much as you can. You’ll discover that it will begin to harden quickly. Let the candy sit undisturbed to cool and harden for at least 2 hours.
4 Break Peanut Brittle into Pieces
Once the candy has cooled completely, lift from the baking mat or parchment paper and begin breaking into pieces. How large you want the candy pieces is completely personal preference.
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For any extra or leftover candy, store in an airtight container at room temperature
About delightful.e.made
Erin, the “E” in Delightful E Made, delights in sharing the best of all that she cooks, bakes, creates and loves. She has a true joy for being in the kitchen and making things for the people around her. Follow her on Facebok, Pinterest and Instagram.
