Dixie Peanut Brittle (Stovetop)

By cecelia26_

Ingredients

• 2 c. granulated sugar
• 1 c. light corn syrup
• 1/2 c. water
• 1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
• 3 c. raw shelled peanuts, skins on
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 tsp. baking soda

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a heavy saucepan heat sugar, syrup, water and salt to a rolling boil. Add peanuts. Reduce heat to medium and stir constantly.
2. **Cook to hard crack stage (293° to 300° F.) Add butter and vanilla, then baking soda. Beat rapidly and pour on a buttered surface spreading to 1/4-in. 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.