How to Make Peanut Brittle

Shelley Young shows us how to make the perfect holiday candy, Peanut Brittle.

Peanut Brittle

Lightly butter a sheet pan and set aside until the peanut brittle is ready to be poured from the pan.

1 1/2 cup Sugar

3/4 cup Corn Syrup

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1/2 cup Water

In a buttered heavy aluminum pan, bring ingredients to a boil over a medium heat until it reaches 240 degrees.

12oz Spanish Peanuts

Add the peanuts to the boiling mixture, and stir constantly until the mixture reaches 340 degrees. Remove from heat.

3/4 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter

3/4 teaspoon Vanilla

Stir butter and vanilla into the mixture until butter is melted.

1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda

Stir in baking soda, which will make the candy foam up, so don't be afraid. Immediately pour onto the prepared sheet pan. You don't need to spread it out, just let it settle in the middle of the pan. Let cool for at least an hour and break into bite-size pieces.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Shelley Young
• The Chopping Block
• Peanut Brittle
• candy

[menRmemorable]

What if you don't have a candy thermometer? I made some peanut brittle and I messed up completely, I didn't wait long enough for it to get to the temperature it suppose to be. :-(. I'm not giving up I'm going to try again.

[TheChoppingBlock1]

@menRmemorable Using a candy thermometer will provide best results since temperature readings will be accurate. However, you can also use cold water tests if you don't have a thermometer. We found an online guide at whats cooking america dot net and feel it's a good one. Unfortunately, YouTube won't let us post the URL in a comment. But go to that site, click on Hints & Tips and then scroll down to Candy and you'll see Candy Thermometer and Temperatures. Good luck!

[menRmemorable]

Thank you @calindrical and @TheChoppingBlock1, I'll give both tips a try.

[calindrical]

@menRmemorable If you don't have a candy thermometer make a little cup of ice water and when it starts to turn brown, drizzle a little over the ice. Then pick out the pieces and taste them. Keep doing this until the pieces are really crunchy, not just chewy. Good luck!

[anjlofmrc]

I never spread mine out, I like the honeycomb that gets into the brittle from all that air the bakign soda made. Thanks for a complete video with measurements, candy thermometer, and telling the temperatures. A+

[jimmie200]

Nice video. Thank you. I am dying to make some. 

[Seedcovers]

Yummo! Mine doesnt spread out all on its own. It spreads but i like it kinda flat

[Tryingtobegodly]

I just wanted to say Ty so much for taking the time to share your recipe. I have made it several times now and it is awesome. I love to make it because it's such a challenge. I only use the thermometer to get it to the right temp before dropping in the peanuts. After that I just go by sight and smell. Again thank you again.