Homemade peanut brittle - great last minute gift!

Not too long ago, I made a batch of homemade peanut brittle after seeing a recipe on the Modern Mrs. Cleaver blog.

It tasted great, but I think my microwave must be more powerful than most because I realized that it didn't need to spend nearly as much time in the microwave as the recipe instructed. The color got pretty dark, but it still tasted good.

So, this time I tried it again, but adjusted the cooking time so that it might appear a little prettier. Click here  for the link to the post with the previous batch. Anyway, here's how I made it this time and the lighter color is a bit more appetizing.

1 1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup corn syrup

pinch of salt

2 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

Combine peanuts, sugar, syrup and salt in glass bowl.  Microwave on high about 4 - 5 minutes (depending on your microwave. Watch it closely.)

Add in butter and vanilla and return to microwave for about one more minute.  Stir in baking soda and quickly transfer to a greased baking sheet and spread.  Let sit for about 30  minutes.  

Be sure to immediately throw your bowl and spoon in very hot water to help with the cleaning process. The stuff gets very sticky, very fast - kind of like when you make rice krispy treats. No one wants to be trying to chisel off the dried bowl two hours later after it has hardened like cement.

Once it has hardened, break into pieces. Just a tip here.  It might seem elementary, but it took me a minute to figure it out. I first tried breaking it into pieces by bending it. I broke a nail in trying to do so. Then, I grabbed a butter knife and starting banging it on the brittle. Not a pretty sight (think Sharon Stone with an ice pick in Fatal Attraction!) Finally, I picked up a piece about three inches off the cookie sheet and dropped it. It shattered like glass. It was that easy! Third time is a charm, right! :) Anyway, this was an easy treat. It would make a great gift if you're scrambling at the last minute. Just takes a few minutes to prepare. Put it in a bag with a pretty bow and you've got a gift! Or make a batch to serve your guests at your holiday party. Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!