What is today? Don’t worry, I haven’t lost all track of time, I know it is the 26th of January. But every day has a special significance to someone. It represents many things to many people and for some people it’s just another ordinary day.
For a lot of folks, it’s a holiday. For my Aussie friends it’s Australia day, a bit like our own Independence day. It is also, according to the internet, National Diane Day, National Green Juice Day (I’m afraid to ask or think about that one), Dental Drill Appreciation Day (nope, not kidding!), Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement, Spouses Day, and National Peanut Brittle Day.
I think out of all of those days, the one that seems safest, and most enjoyable, at least for me, would be the last one, celebrating peanut brittle. So, what better way to honor it than with posting a recipe for the nutty stuff!
Peanut Brittle
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
2 cups raw Spanish peanuts
1 Tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Heat and stir sugar, syrup and 1/2 cup of water in a heavy 3 quart saucepan til sugar dissolves. Cook over medium heat to soft ball stage (234 degrees). Add nuts and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook to hard crack stage (305 degrees), stirring often. Remove from heat. Quickly stir in butter and soda. Pour at once onto 2 well buttered 15 and1/2 x 10 and 1/2 x 1 inch pans, spreading in a thin layer. If desired, cool slightly and pull with forks to stretch very thin. When cold, break into pieces. Makes 1 and 1/2 pounds.
(I will leave it to someone else to post about or celebrate the Green Juice Day…)
I don’t know “Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement” sounds pretty good, and isn’t fattening 😉
But, but…what about warts?!
I didn’t know peanut brittle gave you warts…  😄  Oh you meant toads, no actually they can’t give them to you either, it’s a virus that does that.
 😜  Well, now I have to go get my cauldron and google toad recipes….
I would have thought toad recipes would be at the front of your recipe box! 😛  😉 
Don’t be silly Suzi….Toads are a main dish, not an appetizer! 😆 
LOL, Vic…I was going to ask him the same thing!
My favorite day of the year! How did you know?
I love peanut brittle…but, odd as it may be, I like over-cooked…almost to the point of being burned… 😀 
 😆  Remind me and I will make you some burnt peanut brittle for Christmas next year!
There is also this…
Microwave Peanut Brittle IngredientsThis microwave peanut brittle recipe is easy to make with just six easy-to-find ingredients:
· Sugar: This microwave peanut brittle starts with a cup of white sugar.
· Corn syrup: Light corn syrup lends moisture and adds even more sweetness.
· Peanuts: Use salted peanuts if you can find them. If you can’t, add a pinch of salt.
· Butter: A teaspoon of butter lends moisture and richness.
· Vanilla: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.
· Baking soda: Baking soda creates tiny air bubbles, giving this peanut butter perfect crunch.
How to Make Peanut Brittle In the MicrowaveYou’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this incredibly easy peanut brittle:
1. Combine the sugar and corn syrup in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 4 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking time.
2. Add the peanuts. Microwave for another 3.5 minutes.
3. Add the butter and vanilla. Microwave for another 90 seconds.
4. Stir in the baking soda. Immediately spread on a greased baking sheet.
5. Cool completely and break into pieces.
Tip: Watch the peanut brittle closely during the microwaving process so the sugar doesn’t burn.
I am always leery of making a lot of stuff in the microwave. Microwaves all behave/work differently and can be temperamental. I tend to only use mine to heat things up, defrost, or make popcorn…(I can burn that stuff too!)
It really is incredibly easy in the microwave…
[And in my case…burned is even better!]
I will have to be adventurous and give it a try! Have you tried making caramel popcorn in the microwave? I think it’s made using a paper bag, I will have to search for that recipe.