Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transform your kitchen into a candy lover's paradise! This Twang Town Peanut Brittle is not just a recipe – it's a nostalgic adventure that combines the perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and utterly addictive flavors. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious novice, this classic American treat promises to deliver a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone begging for more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup unsalted peanuts
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients: 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of light corn syrup, 1 cup of unsalted peanuts, 1/2 cup of water, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure to have a candy thermometer ready, as well as a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir the mixture gently until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Avoid stirring once it begins to boil, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize. Instead, you can gently swirl the pan if necessary.
- Attach the candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, ensuring that the bulb is submerged in the syrup but not touching the bottom of the pan. Continue to boil the mixture until it reaches the hard crack stage, which is about 300°F (149°C).
- While the syrup is boiling, prepare your peanuts. If they are raw, you may want to toast them lightly in a separate pan to enhance their flavor. However, if they are already roasted, you can add them directly to the syrup once it reaches the desired temperature.
- When the syrup reaches 300°F, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Stir in the unsalted peanuts, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up when you add the baking soda.
- Quickly pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Work quickly, as the peanut brittle will start to harden as it cools.
- Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Once cooled, break it into pieces of your desired size.
- Store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy your Twang Town Peanut Brittle as a delicious treat or gift!
Tips
- Use a reliable candy thermometer: Precision is key in candy making. Hitting exactly 300°F ensures the perfect texture and prevents burning.
- Prep everything in advance: Candy making moves quickly, so have all ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking.
- Be cautious when adding baking soda: The mixture will foam up dramatically, so use a large pan and stir carefully to prevent overflow.
- Work quickly when spreading: The brittle hardens fast, so have your baking sheet ready and spread the mixture immediately after removing from heat.
- For extra flavor, consider using roasted, salted peanuts to add depth to the brittle's taste.
- Store properly: Keep your peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crisp texture.
- Troubleshooting tip: If your brittle is too sticky, it might not have reached the full hard crack stage. Always ensure you hit the right temperature!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
