This peanut brittle is a must at our house during the holidays. Add butter and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches soft crack stage mixture forms strands that hold shape but are pliable. Drop a little of the molten syrup in cold water and it will form hard, brittle threads that break when bent. Amazingly, it was super simple and took less than an hour to make. Cook, without stirring, over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads. Mix thoroughly and microwave on high for 4 minutes. Peanut brittle how to make peanut brittle at home easy gift idea. You just boil corn syrup, water, and butter until it hits the soft crack stage on your candy thermometer, stir in the peanuts, and keep boiled until it hits hard. Drop a spoonful of hot syrup into cold water, then remove the candy from the water and attempt to bend it. The hillbilly kitchen down home country cooking 428,039 views. Peanut brittle has to reach the hard crack stage, which means that strands of sugar break easily and feel dry, not sticky. Soft crack stage refers to a specific temperature range when cooking sugar syrups. When making peanut brittle, i keep a candy thermometer in the pan at all times.
Oldfashioned peanut brittle recipe the spruce eats. At these temperatures, there is almost no water left in the syrup. If your syrup has reached the hard crack stage, it will form brittle strands in the water and crack as you bend it. This stage makes a syrup, not a candy fudge, fondant, creams, penuche, maple, etc. Putting the buttery crunch in peanut brittle howto finecooking. Set candy thermometer in place, and continue cooking, stirring frequently. I knew it was undercooked when i ate a piece and it really stuck to my teeth. In a 3 quart saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water. The most likely reason your peanut brittle turned sticky is because you didnt cook it long enough. Stir constantly until hardcrack stage, or 300f, is reached. Peanut brittle recipe a great holiday tradition everyone. Soft crack hard crack light caramel dark caramel bind agent for fruit pastes a spoonful of sugar drizzled over a plate forms a fine, thin thread. See equipment used to make peanut brittle for my recommended thermometer.
Peanut brittle has a sweet and buttery flavor with a hard and crunchy texture. Nov 12, 2018 many peanut brittle recipes dont provide a target temperature for cooking, which i sort of understand because were aiming for the final amber stage, known as hard crack, but i provide a temperature below so you can nail it every time without question. It seems to take a long time for it to finally make it to the hard crack stage. The recipe comes from my 1953almost 50 year old better homes and gardens cookbook. Add sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt to a heavy 2quart saucepan.
When temperature is 280f, or softcrack stage, add peanuts. Bring the mixture up to hard crack 290300, stirring more at the end, you dont want the peanuts to burn. For more information on testing the different sugar stages. Peanut brittle how to make peanut brittle at home easy. If youd like to try making your own candy, this easy peanut brittle recipe is a perfect place to start. How to make peanut brittle how to cook like your grandmother. While brittle is the term for any combination of sugar and water thats heated to the hard crack stage and cooled, its the addition of salty peanuts that makes this homemade peanut brittle recipe so addictively delicious. Putting the buttery crunch in peanut brittle howto.
In a deep microwavesafe bowl, combine sugar and corn syrup. Nov 26, 2012 full recipe below a little sweet, a little salty and a whole lot of crispy, peanut brittle is the perfect treat to give this holiday. At this stage, the sugar concentration of the syrup is 95 percent, which determines how pliable or brittle the candy will be. It uses the most basic of ingredients sugar, corn syrup, and peanuts. Using a thermometer is always a good plan because you will be able to know exactly when it gets to the hardcrack stage and that. I love this time of the year when i am trying out classic recipes to enjoy with family and friends. Nov 07, 2016 in a large sauce pan, combine sugar, corn syrup and water. The hard crack stage is the highest temperature you are likely to see specified in a candy recipe. Stir in peanuts and microwave on high until the mixture is light brown, about 3 to 5 minutes longer. The ingredients for hard crack candy are fairly simple, but you can vary the recipe by adding different colors and flavors. Although a lot can go into making a sugar candy, the basic process involved making a sugar syrup which is boiled to different temperature stages. For example, at 235 f, the syrup is at the softball stage. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
If your syrup has reached the hardcrack stage, it will form brittle strands in the water and crack as you bend it. To make peanut brittle, the sugar syrup must be cooked to what is called the hardcrack stage. The syrup separates into threads that are hard and brittle. Using a pastry brush dipped in water, wash down the sides of the pan to eliminate sugar crystals. Its called that because its the point when a drop of boiling sugar syrup immersed into cold. C, or hardcrack stage when 1 tsp hot syrup dropped into cold water forms hard, brittle threads, about 10 minutes. Stir in the butter and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown. While brittle is the term for any combination of sugar and water thats heated. Aug 04, 2010 when the mixture reaches the hardcrack stage, about 300 f use a candy thermometer to measure the temperature, remove the pan from the heat. Peanut brittle recipe how to make easy peanut brittle. The soft crack stage is used for saltwater taffy, nougat, toffee, and butterscotch.
When a small amount of sugar syrup is dropped into very cold water. Otherwise, they come out soft and gooey, like fudge. Oct 14, 2019 why is my peanut brittle too hard or too soft. In many instances, corn syrup is added to the sugar and water mixture to prevent sugar crystals from forming and ruining the final texture of the brittle. But peanut brittle is delicate and you can easily bite into ithow. Salvaging undercooked peanut brittle tiffany loves cake. Its the best peanut brittle ever and perfect for homemade giftgiving. Candy is one of those foods that you must cook it to the right temperature. If youre peanut brittle is still chewy after it cools, you may be able to save it. Being young and new in the kitchen, the first time i tried this homemade peanut brittle i burned it, the second time i read the. Dec 30, 2018 peanut brittle is a classic recipe that is the perfect combo of sweet and salty.
Peanut brittle is an example of a noncrystalline candy which is cooked to the hard crack stage. New old fashioned corn fritters 100 year old recipe the hillbilly kitchen duration. The hardcrack stage is called for in recipes for crunchy candies such as peanut brittle, barley sugar, etc. Septa is promoting spectators a radically greater stage of support upon the manayunknorristown line local rail in the course of the party. If you dont have a candy thermometer, you can use the cold water test in a pinch. Aug 16, 2019 if you cook the peanut brittle past the hardcrack stage, it will become too brittle. Aug 15, 2019 in a 3 quart saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water. Peanut brittle is one of my favorite holiday treats so its pretty exciting that i know i can make it now. This usually takes 20 minutes or so, but you must watch it at all times. Candy making without a thermometer cold water test. Homemade candy isnt as intimidating as it sounds, in fact we love making easy homemade dessert gifts including these chocolate truffles, chocolate fudge, buckeye balls and oreo balls.
Hard candy such as lollipops and peanut brittle must reach a high temperature, known as the hard crack stage, when cooking. Everyone says it is the best peanut brittle that they have ever tasted. Also, after the soft crack stage, just before hard crack, be careful to control the heat and not burn it. Dec 18, 2010 bring the mixture up to hard crack 290300, stirring more at the end, you dont want the peanuts to burn.
There are several different versions of this book, the one i have linked is the one i have now and have had for over 20 years. A small amount of syrup is dropped into chilled water, it will separate into threads that will bend when picked up. Oct 15, 2010 new old fashioned corn fritters 100 year old recipe the hillbilly kitchen duration. That means that the syrup solidifies when cooled, breaks easily. Learn more about the hard crack stage in the candy making process. At this stage, the syrup will register between 305 and 310f on a candy thermometer. Dec 10, 20 i wanted to make some peanut brittle just because i hate making candy and needed to see if i could actually make it. Peanut brittle is a classic recipe that is the perfect combo of sweet and salty. First, the mixture of corn syrup and sugar has to reach the soft crack stage.
This recipe for peanut brittle is from the good housekeeping illustrated cookbook. It gets too soft when the cooking temperature doesnt get hot enough. Old fashioned peanut brittle has everything that you need in a good holiday candy. Oldfashioned homemade peanut brittle house of nash eats.
Mar 03, 2019 peanut brittle is the perfect party dessert, made with butter, peanuts, and corn syrup, its sweet, crunchy, and ready in under 60 minutes. If it is cooked to the hard crack stage, that doesnt happen. If you take it off the heat too soon, it doesnt set up and makes a sticky mess, but let it cook too long and it becomes scorched and bitter. Storing peanut brittle in the fridge or freezer also can alter its texture. Whats important to know is that the corn syrup controls the grain of the brittle so adding too little and you have a grainy textured brittle, while adding too much will result in a stringy and sticky brittle. When you add the baking soda, the mixture will increase in volume dramatically. What temperature should you cook peanut brittle to. Peanut brittle is the most popular brittle recipe in the us. When syrup is dropped into cold water at the hard crack stage, it separates into hard brittle threads that when removed from the water cannot be bent without breaking. Dec 06, 2010 using a candy thermometer, cook over medium heat until 300 f hard crack stage. Nov 26, 2016 add sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt to a heavy 2quart saucepan. The hardcrack stage is the highest temperature you are likely to see specified in a candy recipe.
Nov 14, 2016 continue boiling, stirring frequently until candy reaches the hard crack stage or 300 degrees f on a candy thermometer. In a large bowl, toss the peanuts, hot pepper sauce and allspice until evenly coated. Jun 27, 2004 the hardcrack stage is called for in recipes for crunchy candies such as peanut brittle, barley sugar, etc. Ive partnered with karo corn syrup for this easy and delicious recipe. Any recipe that involved a candy thermometer just made me a. In a heavy saucepan, heat sugar, syrup, water, and salt to a rolling boil. Peanut brittle is the perfect party dessert, made with butter, peanuts, and corn syrup, its sweet, crunchy, and ready in under 60 minutes. Many peanut brittle recipes dont provide a target temperature for cooking, which i sort of understand because were aiming for the final amber stage, known as hard crack, but i provide a temperature below so you can nail it every time without question. My peanut brittle turned out sticky, what can i do. Peanut brittle confident in the kitchen jean miller.
Simple ingredients and easy steps, make this candy recipe a staple in my house. It needs to hit the hard crack stage, which is between 295f and 309f. Cook the mixture to the hard crack stage about 290 degrees on a candy thermometer. Softcrack stage in sugar syrup cooking the spruce eats. Cook this mixture over medium heat to the soft ball stage about 238 degrees on a candy thermometer, stirring it only until the sugar dissolved. Image by vegan feast catering via flickr sugar stages. As the sugar is cooking and begins turning amber in color it accumulates small amounts of acid. If you cook the peanut brittle past the hardcrack stage, it will become too brittle. Peanut brittle has to reach the hardcrack stage, which means that strands of sugar break easily and feel dry, not sticky. Bonus, it makes the house smells like a caramel heaven. The texture of peanut brittle comes from water and sugar that is heated to a temperature known as the hard crack stage, after which it will cool into a hard, almost glasslike form. Apr 20, 2020 when making peanut brittle, i keep a candy thermometer in the pan at all times. Microwave peanut brittle easy and delicious an alli event. Peanut brittle best old fashioned peanut brittle recipe.
Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper, wax paper, or a silicone mat. Add the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla, and then the baking soda, stirring constantly. Peanut brittle recipe a great holiday tradition everyone loves. Drop a little of the molten syrup in cold water and it will form hard, brittle threads that break when. Brittles are cooked to a very high temperature, the hard crack stage 296 degrees f, 147 degrees c. In a large sauce pan, combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Dec 11, 2019 as i waited and waited for the magic 300f hard crack stage, the concoction suddenly turned into a solid mass of charred sugar.
The term brittle first appeared in print since 1892, though the candy itself has been around for much longer. As the peanut brittle cools, stretch it out thinner by lifting and pulling at edges with forks. To get that signature snappy brittle, you need to add baking soda. You will need to stir the sugar mixture occasionally to. Kathy i undercooked my peanut brittle but i did use a cnady thermometer and it did reach 300. Heat the mixture to first the soft ball stage and then the hard crack stage. Full recipe below a little sweet, a little salty and a whole lot of crispy, peanut brittle is the perfect treat to give this holiday. Pour onto two buttered baking sheets or jelly rollsize baking pans. You just boil corn syrup, water, and butter until it hits the soft crack stage on your candy thermometer, stir in the peanuts, and keep boiled until it hits hard crack. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a full boil about 1012 minutes.
Peanut brittle gets too hard when the cooking temperature gets too high. Continue boiling, stirring frequently until candy reaches the hard crack stage or 300 degrees f on a candy thermometer. That means that the syrup solidifies when cooled, breaks easily when snapped, and no longer feels sticky. To make peanut brittle, the sugar syrup must be cooked to what is called the hard crack stage. Thus began my mission to master peanut brittle, and perhaps my ultimate decision to write a cookbook.
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