Holiday Peanut Brittle

Peanut brittle-crunchy, sweet and salty-just like Mom used to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 cups raw shelled spanish peanuts, skins on
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp baking soda

Directions:

Heat sugar, syrup, water and salt to a rolling boil in a large, heavy saucepan (3 quarts or larger). Add peanuts. Reduce heat to medium and stir constantly. Cook to hard crack stage (300-310 degrees). Stir in butter and vanilla. Add baking soda and stir rapidly. The baking soda will cause contents to quickly increase in size. Pour onto a very lightly greased or sprayed baking sheet. Spread to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. When cool, break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Number of Servings: 12

Notes from the Cook: To make nice, small surprises, place several pieces of peanut brittle on a 12"x12" piece of Saran Wrap. Gather at the top and tie with a small piece of festive ribbon. WARNING: If you make this recipe and share it with others, they will bug you until you do it again.