Oh my goodness, there’s just something so nostalgic about old fashioned peanut brittle! I can still remember the sweet, nutty aroma wafting through my grandmother’s kitchen every holiday season. It’s a classic treat that brings back memories of family gatherings and laughter. The sound of that crunchy, caramelized goodness snapping apart is music to my ears! This recipe is special to me because it was passed down through generations, and I love sharing it with my friends and family. Trust me, once you make your own batch of peanut brittle, you’ll understand why it’s been a favorite for so long. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup raw peanuts
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
How to Prepare Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious old fashioned peanut brittle! It’s super easy, but there are a few important steps that will ensure your brittle turns out perfectly every time. Trust me, I’ve made my share of mistakes, so follow along closely!
Step 1: Grease the Baking Sheet
First things first, grab a baking sheet and coat it with butter. This will make it so much easier to remove the brittle once it’s cooled. Just take a paper towel or your fingers and spread a thin layer of unsalted butter across the entire surface. You want it well-greased, but not swimming in butter. Nobody wants soggy brittle, right?
Step 2: Combine Sugar and Corn Syrup
Next, in a large saucepan, combine your granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Turn the heat to medium and stir everything together until it’s well-mixed. You want to keep an eye on this mixture as it heats up. Bring it to a boil, making sure to stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn. This is a crucial step, as boiling activates the sugar, and we want that perfect caramelization!
Step 3: Add Peanuts
Once your mixture is bubbling away, it’s time to add the raw peanuts. Stir continuously—this is super important! You want to keep the peanuts moving around to avoid any sticking or burning. Keep cooking and stirring until the mixture reaches a glorious 300°F on your candy thermometer. This temperature is key to getting that snap-and-crunch we all love!
Step 4: Mix in Other Ingredients
When you hit 300°F, remove the saucepan from heat immediately. Be careful—it’s HOT! Stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda. The baking soda will make the mixture bubble up a bit, which is totally normal! Just stir until everything’s combined and smooth. The smell at this point is absolutely heavenly!
Step 5: Pour and Spread
Now, pour that delicious mixture onto your greased baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. The thinner you spread it, the crunchier it will be, so give it a good effort! Don’t worry about perfection—rustic is charming too!
Step 6: Cool and Break
Finally, let the peanut brittle cool completely on the sheet. This usually takes about an hour. Once it’s set, you can break it into pieces with your hands or a mallet—whatever you prefer! The sound of that cracking is music to my ears, and trust me, your family will love the results!
Nutritional Information
Let’s chat about the nutrition in this delightful old fashioned peanut brittle! Now, keep in mind that these values are estimates based on the ingredients I used, but they give you a pretty good idea of what you’re munching on. Each serving is about 1 ounce, and here’s the breakdown:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 3g
So, while this treat is definitely a sweet indulgence, it’s all about balance, right? Enjoying a piece or two won’t hurt, especially when you can savor that crunchy, nutty goodness. Just remember, moderation is key, and sharing is caring! Happy snacking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up this old fashioned peanut brittle in just about 30 minutes! It’s a perfect last-minute treat for guests or a sweet surprise for the family.
- Classic Taste: The rich, buttery flavor combined with crunchy peanuts creates a timeless taste that everyone loves. It’s like a warm hug from the past!
- Fun for All Ages: Making peanut brittle is a fantastic activity to do with family or friends. Kids love stirring and pouring, and it’s a great way to create sweet memories together.
- Customizable: You can easily add other ingredients like pretzels or chocolate for a twist on the classic recipe. Get creative and make it your own!
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrap it up in a cute box or bag, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or anyone with a sweet tooth.
- Long Shelf Life: Once stored properly in an airtight container, this peanut brittle can last for weeks, making it a great treat to have on hand for snacking or entertaining.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make your old fashioned peanut brittle, here are some pro tips to ensure everything turns out just right! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make a big difference in your candy-making adventure.
- Use a Candy Thermometer: Seriously, I can’t stress this enough! A candy thermometer is your best friend for this recipe. It takes the guesswork out of achieving that perfect 300°F. If you don’t have one, you can use the cold water test, but it’s much easier to rely on a thermometer!
- Keep an Eye on the Heat: Medium heat is your go-to, but don’t walk away! Stay close and stir often to prevent burning. Sugar can go from perfect to burnt in a flash, so keep your eyes peeled!
- Be Cautious with Hot Sugar: This mixture is extremely hot—like, third-degree burn hot! Use long-handled utensils and consider wearing an apron to protect yourself while you’re stirring. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
- Stir, Stir, Stir: Once you add the peanuts, continuous stirring is crucial. This will help evenly distribute the heat and ensure every nut gets that caramel coating without sticking or burning. Embrace your inner chef and get that arm workout!
- Cool Completely: Letting the brittle cool fully on the baking sheet is key. If you try to break it too soon, you might end up with a sticky mess. Patience is a virtue here, my friend!
- Store Properly: Once your brittle is all set and broken into pieces, store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you live in a humid climate, consider adding a piece of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
With these tips up your sleeve, you’re bound to make a batch of old fashioned peanut brittle that not only tastes amazing but also looks fantastic. Now, let’s get cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your fabulous old fashioned peanut brittle, you’ll want to keep it fresh and crunchy for as long as possible. The best way to store it is in an airtight container. I usually opt for a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. This will help prevent moisture from ruining that delightful crunch we all love!
If you live in a humid area, it’s a good idea to place a piece of wax paper between layers of brittle to keep them from sticking together. Trust me, this little trick works wonders! Just make sure the brittle is completely cooled and set before you tuck it away.
Now, about reheating—most of the time, you won’t need to! This candy is best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you find that your brittle has lost some of its snap, you can gently warm it in the oven. Preheat your oven to a low setting, around 200°F (93°C), and spread the brittle out on a baking sheet. Heat it for just a few minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid melting. It should come back to life nicely!
So go ahead and make a big batch of old fashioned peanut brittle, savor it, and share it with loved ones, knowing that it’ll stay delicious for days to come!
FAQ Section
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw peanuts?
Yes, you can absolutely use roasted peanuts! Just keep in mind that using roasted peanuts will give your old fashioned peanut brittle a slightly different flavor and texture. If you prefer a crunchier bite, go for the roasted ones!
What should I do if my brittle is too sticky?
If your old fashioned peanut brittle turns out sticky, it might not have reached the proper temperature. Make sure to use a candy thermometer next time to ensure it hits that magic 300°F. If you’ve already made it and it’s sticky, you can try reheating it gently in the oven and spreading it out to cool again.
How long can I store the peanut brittle?
When stored in an airtight container, your old fashioned peanut brittle can last for about 2 to 3 weeks at room temperature. Just be sure it’s completely cooled and set before sealing it up to keep that crunch intact!
Can I add other ingredients to my brittle?
Absolutely! You can get creative with your old fashioned peanut brittle. Consider adding chocolate chips, pretzels, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra flavor boost. Just make sure any additions won’t interfere with the cooking process!
What should I do if my candy thermometer breaks?
If your candy thermometer breaks, don’t panic! You can still make old fashioned peanut brittle by using the cold water test. Drop a bit of the candy mixture into cold water. If it forms a hard ball, you’re at the right temperature. But honestly, investing in a good candy thermometer is worth it for consistent results!
For more information on candy making techniques, check out this candy making guide.
Print
Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle: 6 Steps to Crunchy Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 pounds 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic treat made from sugar, peanuts, and corn syrup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup raw peanuts
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Grease a baking sheet with butter.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat until boiling.
- Add peanuts and stir continuously until the mixture reaches 300°F.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla, and baking soda.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
- Let it cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature.
- Be cautious, as the mixture is very hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: old fashioned peanut brittle
