Are you ready to dive into a world of crunchy, sweet perfection? This Fisher's Peanut Brittle recipe is incredibly easy to make, yet delivers a taste that rivals any store-bought candy. It's the perfect homemade treat for holidays, gifts, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth craving. Get ready to experience the magic of this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe – it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup unsalted peanuts (roasted and salted, or plain)
- 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment:
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan (at least 2-quart capacity)
- Candy thermometer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Making the Brittle:
- In your heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the hard-crack stage. A candy thermometer is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- Once the temperature is reached, remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the butter, baking soda, and salt. The mixture will foam up significantly – be careful!
- Quickly stir in the peanuts and optional vanilla extract.
Cooling and Serving:
- Immediately pour the hot brittle mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it evenly to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Let the brittle cool completely and harden completely. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the room temperature. Avoid touching it until it's completely set.
- Once cooled and hardened, break the brittle into irregular pieces. The fun part!
Tips for Success:
- Don't stir the sugar mixture while it's cooking. Stirring before reaching the hard-crack stage can cause crystallization.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heating and prevent burning.
- Work quickly once you add the baking soda. It reacts quickly, so you need to pour the mixture onto the baking sheet promptly.
- Let the brittle cool completely before breaking it. This prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Brittle: Drizzle melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate over the cooled brittle.
- Spicy Peanut Brittle: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture before pouring it onto the baking sheet.
- Pretzel Peanut Brittle: Add some broken pretzels to the mixture along with the peanuts for a salty and crunchy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the serving size and ingredients used. A general estimate per ounce:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
This Fisher's Peanut Brittle recipe is a simple yet rewarding cooking experience. The process is straightforward, perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. The end result is a delicious, homemade treat that's sure to impress. Enjoy!