Microwave Peanut Brittle

I have made this handy and easy recipe for years. I made three batches this morning in less than an hour while getting ready to go to town.

1 c. sugar
1/2 c. white corn syrup
1 c. roasted, salted peanuts
1 tsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. baking soda

Stir sugar and syrup together in a 1 1/2 qt. casserole and micro on Hi 4 min. Stir in peanuts. Mocro on Hi 3-5 min until light brown. Start checking after 3 min. so you don't overbrown peanuts. Add butter and vanilla to syrup, blending well. Micro on Hi 1-2 min. Peanuts should be lightly browned and syrup VERY HOT. (Use care.) Add baking soda and gently stir until light and foamy. Quickly pour mixture onto lightly greased cookie sheet and spread with spatula. Let cool. Break into small pieces. Store in airtight container.

Our friend Loy makes pounds and pounds of peanut brittle every year and gives it out in gallon bags as gifts. His brittle is very thick but "airy". A good choice if you know someone who has trouble chewing the regular stuff. Not a good choice if you love peanut brittle, because it makes it easier to eat it more quickly.

Loy's Missouri Sky High Peanut Brittle Variation

Make as above, but use appx. 1 TBSP. of baking soda, and do not spread brittle after pouring it out onto the pan. (See picture-Loy's PB on right, regular version on left.)