Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients.

2. Step 2

   Line a work surface with heatproof pads or pot holders. Generously grease 2 (13 x 9 x 2-inch) rimmed baking sheets. Place the prepared sheets on the protected work surface.

3. Step 3

   In a large saucepan with a candy thermometer attached, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water.

4. Step 4

   Cook the sugar mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves. Bring the sugar mixture to a boil. Carefully add the butter, stirring until melted. Begin to stir frequently when syrup reaches the thread stage, about 230 F.

5. Step 5

   When the temperature reaches the soft-crack stage (280 F), add the peanuts. Stir constantly until hard-crack stage (300 F), is reached.

6. Step 6

   Remove from heat and stir in baking soda. Mix well to combine.

7. Step 7

   Immediately pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pans.

8. Step 8

   As the peanut brittle cools, stretch it thinner by lifting and pulling at the edges with forks. Loosen the brittle from the pans after about 7 to 8 minutes, flipping the brittle over while the mixture is still semi-solid and flexible (the mixture should be removed from the pans as quickly as possible to avoid sticking).

9. Step 9

   Break the hardened candy into pieces as desired. Store in an airtight container.