Peanut Brittle with Art and Soul

1. 1

   Get out a large sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil, place on a cookie sheet, and butter or oil it.

2. 2

   Sit it by the stove, waiting to receive the brittle once its ready to pour.

3. 3

   Put the sugar, water and syrup into a saucepan, bring to the boil gently, then turn up the heat and let it boil for 8-10 minutes, swirling (but not stirring) the pan a couple of times, until the syrup has turned gold in color.

4. 4

   It will be smoking by then, so be warned!

5. 5

   Take the pan off the heat and, with a wooden spoon, stir in the nuts, followed by the vanilla, butter and baking soda.

6. 6

   You will have a golden, frothy, hot and gooey mixture.

7. 7

   Pour this briskly onto the waiting parchment or foil, using your wooden spoon to coax and pull it to make a nut-studded sheet, puddle-shaped though it may be, rather than a heap.

8. 8

   Leave it to cool, then break into pieces and store in at airtight container or box; or bag up to give at once as presents.

9. 9

   Youll get about 1 pound in total, and its up to you how much you want to put in each bag, really.

10. 10

    I find it easier to do several small batches like this, rather than multiplying quantities as I cook.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

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