I wonder who invented peanut brittle. It's kind of a weird idea, right? I imagine they said to themselves, "Man, I sure do love peanuts but I hate how smooth and creamy peanut butter is. I want the opposite of peanut butter. I want peanuts showcased in a super hard crunchy candy. Hmmmmmm."
And then peanut brittle was born. And somehow over the years peanut brittle has become a kind of holiday candy staple. You don't eat peanut brittle in July. That's just crazy talk. It's a December thing. Sweet and Spicy Peanut Brittle
3 cups peanuts (dry roasted)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 cup water
1 cup light corn syrup
2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon baking soda
In a bowl combine the peanuts, cinnamon and cayenne. Set aside. In a pot combine the water, corn syrup, sugar and salt. Stir to dissolve over high heat. Use a candy thermometer and wait until the mixture reaches 290°F to 300°F degrees. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and peanuts. Then stir in the baking soda (this will cause the mixture to foam). Quickly pour the mixture out onto a silpat mat or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a spatula to spread the mixture as thin as you like. Allow to cool and then crack into pieces.
You have to work quickly once the mixture has almost reach the "hard crack" stage. But be careful! I dropped a spoon at one point and got a tiny drop of the hot mixture on my pinky finger. And now I have a gross blister. It hurt! (You probably didn't want to know that, huh?) Happy candy making! xo. Emma
Yumm. I'll try this with pecans for a little bit of sweet and salty and spicy, too.
Posted by: Anna | November 29, 2012 at 07:05 PM
I love peanut brittle! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe.
Posted by: Adrienne | November 29, 2012 at 07:45 PM
i bet it's so delicious.. in indonesia, we have a similar food like that and so delicious :)
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Posted by: irene wibowo | November 29, 2012 at 07:51 PM
LOVE IT!!
New outfit in http://cravingforbarneys.com
Posted by: CRAVING FOR BARNEYS | November 29, 2012 at 08:13 PM
Looks delicious! Convincing the BF we totally need this in our life starting.... now!
ღstephanie
Posted by: Stephanie | November 29, 2012 at 08:37 PM
Hai Emma, i really love you food's inspirations. Have you tried making any Asian food? In Indonesia, we have traditional "local" salad, named Gado-gado (this one is very simple). You just put any vegetables (steam them first), and pour cashews/peanuts sauce over it..
check this: http://www.indochef.com/indo_26.shtml
Posted by: Angger | November 29, 2012 at 08:41 PM
ohhh need!
Valentina
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Posted by: Valentina | November 29, 2012 at 08:46 PM
I love peanut brittle. Never thought to try it spicy. Sounds amazing.
Posted by: Sarah Kyle | November 29, 2012 at 08:54 PM
Sweet AND spicy? Sounds perfect!
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Posted by: shannon | November 29, 2012 at 09:43 PM
I LOVE peanut brittle! It seems so easy, I don't know why I never thought of making it before. Thanks for this!
Posted by: CeeCee Pham | November 29, 2012 at 11:17 PM
This looks soooo delish! I can't wait to give it a try. Thanks so much!
Posted by: Monica | November 29, 2012 at 11:46 PM
Wow, it looks yummy and I will do it. Have a nice day.
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Posted by: Denisa | November 30, 2012 at 02:30 AM
Oooh this sounds like a delicious recipe. It makes me think of satay sauce :)
Posted by: this is lemonade | November 30, 2012 at 03:07 AM
i absolutely love peanut brittle and I always use a pretty basic recipe to make it as it's so straightforward buuuut this year I think i'll try adding a little spice - thank you!
p.s actually in my family peanut brittle usually does happen in July for my dad's birthday - he loves it even more than me (if that's possible)!
Posted by: annie | November 30, 2012 at 04:19 AM
I LOVE peanuts. I've never had peanut brittle though! I will have to don my apron this weekend! We are putting our Christmas decorations up on Sunday so this would be the perfect snack :)
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Posted by: abby | November 30, 2012 at 04:57 AM
holy moly peanut brittle is my fave candy!
think i would only use the vanilla and cinnamon though
love how it is creamy aswell!
Posted by: hannah | November 30, 2012 at 06:07 AM
omg such a cool idea!
love the creamy and spicy!
wonder if you can add white chocolate in it or not?
www.amazine.com
Posted by: tavia | November 30, 2012 at 06:08 AM
YUM!!! Emma, I'm wondering if you can figure out an amazing recipe for pumpkin seed brittle. I had some from Williams Sonoma that blew my mind: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/spiced-pumpkin-seed-brittle/ I'm not kidding, I would buy and send you some if it were still available!
Posted by: Flor D. | November 30, 2012 at 11:25 AM
this looks so good ! i want to make this! :)
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Posted by: Deana | November 30, 2012 at 11:56 AM
I Love Peanut Brittle!!! I have braces and I can't resist I eat a lot of it:)
Oh add some coconut shavings!!! It's the BOMB, My mom bought some peanut brittle with coconut, omg so yummy at a James Dean gift shop lol.
Posted by: Alicia R | November 30, 2012 at 07:54 PM