Elaine’s Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe (VRP 229)

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Elaine’s Peanut Brittle is a crunchy, sweet, slightly salty treat perfect for candy lovers. This timeless recipe combines sugar, light Karo syrup, and raw peanuts to create a deliciously caramelized brittle with a satisfying crunch. Made on the stovetop in a cast iron skillet, it’s a simple candy that anyone can make at home with just a few basic ingredients. Once cooled and broken into pieces, this brittle is perfect for gifting, holiday treats, or simply snacking.

The use of baking soda helps create a light, airy texture in the brittle, while the salt balances out the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor. Whether you’re familiar with candy-making or trying it for the first time, this recipe is straightforward and delivers fantastic results.

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Elaine’s Peanut Brittle

Food History

Peanut brittle is one of the oldest forms of candy in the United States, with its roots likely going back to the 19th century. Brittle recipes vary, but they all share the common element of caramelized sugar, often combined with nuts. The addition of peanuts in this version reflects the popularity of peanuts in American cooking, especially after the peanut boom in the early 20th century.

Light corn syrup, like Karo syrup, has been a popular ingredient in American candy-making since the early 1900s. It helps prevent crystallization in sugar-based recipes, ensuring a smooth, shiny texture. Peanut brittle became a holiday staple in many households, enjoyed for its long shelf life and satisfying crunch.

Timeline

• 19th century: Early versions of brittle, made with various nuts and caramelized sugar, emerge in the U.S.
• Early 20th century: Peanuts become widely used in candy-making, especially in recipes like peanut brittle.
• 1902: Karo syrup is introduced and quickly becomes a popular ingredient in candy-making due to its smooth texture and anti-crystallization properties.
• Mid-20th century: Peanut brittle becomes a popular homemade candy for holidays and special occasions.

Recipe Discussion

Elaine’s Peanut Brittle recipe is simple and fun to make, especially if you enjoy the process of creating homemade candy. The syrup for the brittle is made by combining sugar, raw peanuts, light Karo syrup, and water in a cast iron skillet. Using a heavy skillet ensures even heat distribution, which helps prevent burning while caramelizing the sugar.

The mixture is stirred constantly until the syrup starts to turn a golden color, indicating that the sugar is caramelizing and the peanuts are roasting. At this stage, the salt, baking soda, and water mixture is quickly stirred in. The baking soda causes the brittle to foam up slightly, giving it that airy, crisp texture. Once everything is mixed, the hot candy is poured onto a cookie sheet or foil to cool and harden.

Once cooled, the brittle is broken into pieces and ready to enjoy. The combination of sweet caramel, crunchy peanuts, and a hint of salt makes this peanut brittle irresistibly delicious.

Preparation Tips

• Use a cast iron skillet: A heavy cast iron skillet helps with even heat distribution, which is important when making brittle to prevent burning the sugar.
• Constant stirring: Stir the sugar, peanuts, syrup, and water mixture constantly to ensure even caramelization and to prevent any areas from burning.
• Quick action: Once the baking soda mixture is added, work quickly to stir it in and pour the hot candy onto the prepared surface. The mixture will harden fast, so there’s little time to waste.
• Cooling surface: Use a cookie sheet or aluminum foil as your cooling surface. You can lightly grease the surface or line it with parchment paper to make the brittle easier to remove once it cools.
• Break into pieces: Once the brittle has completely cooled, break it into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a mallet.

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• Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is ideal for making candy as it heats evenly and retains heat well.
• Candy Thermometer: Although not required for this recipe, a candy thermometer can help monitor the temperature of the sugar mixture if you’re unsure about the caramelization stage.
• Silicone Baking Mat: Use a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent the brittle from sticking to the cookie sheet.

Serving Suggestions

• Gift giving: Pack the brittle in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for holiday gifts.
• Party snack: Serve peanut brittle as a crunchy, sweet snack at parties or gatherings.
• Topping: Break the brittle into smaller pieces and use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
• Pair with coffee or tea: Enjoy a piece of peanut brittle alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

Sweet and Crunchy Satisfaction

Elaine’s Peanut Brittle is a classic candy recipe that combines simple ingredients for an irresistible sweet and crunchy treat. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or keeping all to yourself, this homemade brittle will bring a nostalgic touch to your candy repertoire. With its balance of salty peanuts and caramelized sugar, this peanut brittle is sure to become a favorite for holidays or any time you’re craving something crunchy and sweet.

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References Used

• Wikipedia: Peanut Brittle – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peanut_brittle
• Food Timeline: Peanut Brittle – www.foodtimeline.org/foodcandies.html#brittle
• Wikipedia: Karo Syrup – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn_syrup