Dixie Peanut Brittle

Directions

Stovetop Method:

In a heavy saucepan heat sugar, syrup, water and salt to a rolling boil. Add peanuts. Reduce heat to medium and stir constantly. **Cook to hard crack stage (293° to 300° F.) Add butter, then baking soda. Beat rapidly and pour on a buttered surface spreading to 1/4-inch thickness. When cool break into pieces. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 2 pounds.

**Note: In the absence of a candy thermometer, test for hard crack stage by dropping a tiny bit of syrup into ice water (let it thread from a spoon into the water). When the threads are brittle (not pliable) it has reached the hard crack stage.

Microwave Oven Method:

Combine peanuts, sugar, syrup, and salt in a 2 -1/2 quart microwave safe container. 700 watt oven: Microwave 4 minutes on HIGH POWER; stir, microwave 4 minutes longer on HIGH POWER. Stir in butter and vanilla. Microwave 2 minutes longer on HIGH POWER.

1200 watt oven: Microwave 4 minutes on 60 PERCENT POWER; stir, microwave 4 minutes longer on 60 PERCENT POWER. Stir in butter and vanilla. Microwave 1 minute longer on 60 PERCENT POWER.

***Add baking soda and quickly stir until light and foamy. Immediately pour onto lightly greased baking sheet; spread to ¼ inch thickness. When cool, break into pieces. Store in airtight container.

***Note: Any cooking time adjustments necessary for lower or higher watt ovens must be made BEFORE adding baking soda.