So I missed National Pie Day, National Lobster Thermidor Day and National Irish Coffee Day… I was not going to miss National Peanut Brittle Day, too!
I tell you what – you want an adventure – make Peanut Brittle.
This homemade Peanut Brittle is old-fashioned, sweet, and the kind of confection that’s perfect anytime of year!
I learned two things while making this glorious golden colored candy – do not try this without a candy thermometer – and be sure to continually stir your mixture once the peanuts are added.
Perhaps it doesn’t take long for temperatures to spike, things to bubble, and peanuts to burn if not constantly stirred.
And perhaps I know a little bit about this.
Okay…perhaps I definitely know a lot about this.
I don’t own a candy thermometer (yet). So I had no choice but to use the hand held style I have. One that doesn’t clip to the side of a pot. Which means – I was holding the thermometer in one hand and watching that the temperature didn’t rise above 300 degrees while trying to stir the mixture with my other hand as things were bubbling and frothing and requiring my undivided attention. And while keeping close watch on the thermometer my peanuts were momentarily neglected, causing, I hate to admit, a few to burn…mm-hmmm.
Please let my mistakes be your greatest teacher.
Biggest takeaway here – get yourself a candy thermometer so both hands are available and you can easily see what’s going on with that temp and those peanuts while it’s cooking.
Here’s the good news – despite my trials – it was still a brittle worth sharing! So buttery and crunchy, I promise it does not disappoint… Dom loved it!
Once you have all of your ingredients and materials assembled…let the adventure begin!
Wishing you a Happy Peanut Brittle Day!
Buon Appetito!
Print
Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. water plus 1/2 cup
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 6 Tbsp. butter
- 2 cups peanuts
Instructions
- Prep two cookie sheets with baking parchment paper or silicone liners and set aside.
- In a small bowl mix baking soda, 1 tsp. water, vanilla and salt. Set aside.
- In a 3-quart saucepan, mix sugar, 1/2 cup water and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to 240 degrees F.
- Once 240 degrees, stir in butter and peanuts. Cook, stirring constantly, to 300 degrees.
- Immediately remove from heat.
- Quickly stir in the baking soda mixture until light and foamy.
- Pour half the candy mixture onto each cookie sheet and quickly spread to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cool completely for at least 1 hour.
- Break into pieces.
- Store in covered container.
{Recipe adapted from Betty Crocker.}
Ciao!
Mmmmmm, yummy! Thanks for sharing!!! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Mmmm-hmmmm! Thank you, Gingi!
I’ve had the worst luck making candy! And I even have a clip on candy thermometer, but I’m convinced it doesn’t work right! It is one of my goals to get better at making candy though, and this peanut brittle looks amazing so maybe I need to start with this!
You know, I think this is a good one to start with! I say go for it!! Thanks, Isadora!
Love peanut brittle.. it has to be one of my favourite sweet snacks ever. This looks incredible delicious and I have to make a batch!
Thank you, Thalia!! Enjoy!
Ha, Annie, a litte ambidextrous practice for you! I’ve never made peanut brittle before – other than your two hand issue – this looks pretty straightforward – so looking forward to trying it. I may wait a bit though and get the candy thermometer first. The thing I love about reading blogs is when people share their experiences and tell what didn’t go so smoothly – a great heads up for everyone!! Thanks, Annie.
I agree, Geraldine – it really helps when people share their good, their bad and their ugly! 🙂
I love peanut brittle but I’ve never made it. I must remedy that!
Oh yes!! It’s definitely worth a try, Dorothy! Thanks for stopping by!
I love all things peanut and peanut butte,r but I’ve never had peanut brittle. I’ve got to give this a try!
Oooh! I’d love to know what you think! Thanks, Medha!!
This looks amazing! As for the candy thermometer, I recommend splurging on a half-descent one (mine can be finicky at times and I now make homemade caramel sauce by eye rather than temperature!)
That is skill my friend! Thank you so much, Kacey!!
Not a huge fan of peanuts but an absolute peanut brittle lover. Your truly looks really good.
Thank you, Kathy! It’s hard to resist good peanut brittle!
Oh my gosh, it’s National Peanut Brittle day?? Love the sound of that! This brittle looks perfect, Annie!! I would definitely not be able to tell there were any mistakes made. I have no self control around any brittle and want to polish off that entire batch. Yum! 🙂
Yes, yes, yes!! Gotta love brittle! Thanks, my dear! 🙂
OK, so I must admit when I first started reading, I thought “I can do this, I have a thermometer!” But then I read the difficulties you had without having a candy thermometer…..
So I am thinking I need to get someone to hold the thermometer FOR ME!! He he he!!
Hehehe! As long as you can attach the thermometer to the side of the pot – you can fly solo, my dear!! Go for it! 🙂
I can’t even tell that this golden beauty gave you such a run for your money. It looks oh-so-delicious. I bought myself a candy thermometer back in December and felt like such the chef de la chef. It’s so fun to use and would help eliminate your arm aerobics (although I am sure it was quite the spectacle). 🙂
Spectacle, indeed! But still worth it!! I’ve had enough arm aerobics for one season! 🙂
oh my gawd, it’s National Peanut Brittle Day?!!! I love peanut brittle!!! . . does this mean I can eat as much brittle as I want today?! 😛
Of course!! Those are the rules and you wouldn’t want to break them! Munch away!! 🙂
Oh yum, my mouth is watering looking at the pictures! In India we have something similar which we make with peanuts and jaggery, it’s called “chikki” and it’s mostly made and eaten during winters! It’s one of my favorite things to eat and now I am craving for it badly..haha! Pinned!
Oh! I hope if you make this it takes you right back! Thanks, Manali!
Annie, I can’t tell you how special it is that you posted this today. Peanut brittle is the treat my Nonna would make for us when we were little. She wasn’t a baker, so this was a big deal for us. I thought of her this morning when I saw what today is and missed her in that moment. After I went to the gym, I came back to look at Instagram, and there was your peanut brittle. I felt like she was sending me some. Thank you!
We keep doing that for each other, don’t we? I love that. She was definitely sending you some, today…Have a great day, Andrea – it’s certainly off to a special start!
Oh wow! I would honestly have no control over this. Anything with peanut butter is amazing!
No control! I get it!! My hubby and I did some pret-ty good damage this weekend! Thanks, Dannii!
What a great day to celebrate! I was obsessed with the peanut brittle my grandmother used to make as a child. I definitely need to try to make some myself!
It is a very nostalgic treat, isn’t it? Love that! Thanks, Ashley!! 🙂
I love peanut brittle Annie! It’s one of my favs. Now it’s probably time to get that candy thermometer, huh!
Oh yes! Do yourself the favor, Laura! Enjoy!! 🙂
Sounds like I missed all those National Days 🙂
Love peanuts and this brittle sounds delicious!
Owning a candy thermometer sounds like a great investment and I’ll definitely get one before I attempt to make this 🙂
Hahhah! So many National Days, so little time!! 🙂 Definitely invest in that thermometer! Have fun, Mira!!
I had no idea there was a National Peanut Brittle Day! So fun! I love the looks of this treat, Annie! And I’m sure the homemade kind is way better than the store bought stuff. Looks delish!
I know – it’s a great day to celebrate!! 🙂 Thanks, Gayle!
You’re a brave woman! Candy thermometers always terrify me, and holding one while making the candy is super impressive. This looks awesome!
Hahaha! The things we’ll do for candy! 🙂 Thanks, Mir!!