I’m not one for making a log of candy really…. sure fudge and truffles around Christmas and the like, but rarely candy, so this “Nuts About You” Sea Salt Peanut Brittle is a bit unique for me. It’s a very American thing. But it turned out well and makes a great Valentine’s Day present. Just watch your teeth — this stuff is hard!
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
2 cups salted roasted peanuts
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 teaspoons soda
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons flaked sea salt
Directions
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside. Measure out peanuts, butter, baking soda and vanilla and have them ready (this stage happens fast, when it happens).
Add sugar and water to a medium saucepan and stir well. Stir in corn syrup. Cook mixture over medium heat (don’t be tempted to turn the heat up!), stirring occasionally, until it comes to a gentle boil. Attach your candy thermometer to the edge of the pot, and make sure it is submerged in the liquid, but not touching the bottom of the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally until temperature reaches 250F.
Add the peanuts and stir the mixture constantly until the candy thermometer temperature reaches 300F. Remove mixture from heat and immediately stir in butter, baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will foam and change texture.
Carefully and quickly pour the hot mixture onto the prepared pan and use a knife or spoon to spread the mixture into an even layer. Immediately sprinkle on the sea salt. Allow to cool completely (at least 30 minutes; I let it cool for a few hours) before breaking apart. Store the completely cooled peanut brittle in an airtight container.
