Knitting Contrisstmas Day 14: Peanut Brittle(s)

Sunday, Day 14 of Knitting Contrisstmas. Day FOURTEEN, gasp, which means that I don't know about you but I need to get in the kitchen and make some cookies and candies to go out in the boxes to mail on Tuesday. Unlike my youngest daughter I do not "do" the sugar cookies in the little tube or box add some decorations and call it good. No, it is the inner Martha that requires me to do more. Many times I hate that Martha! :)

This recipe is one of my favorites as it contains all things candy that are delightful. If you have a peanut allergy I am just going to apologize in advance!

Coconut Peanut Brittle (or not...)

• 1 cup corn syrup1/2 cup water
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 pounds peanuts with the skins on them (usually called cocktail or Spanish peanuts)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tbs. butter
• Coconut, 1 to 2 packages of coconut depending on your taste. I use two packages of the sweetened coconut Angel Flake but it works with the plain coconut too.

In a nice heavy saucepan stir up the corn syrup, the sugar, water and the nuts. Bring to a boil over high heat and turn down just a tiny bit so it doesn't bubble up and run all over the sides of the pan onto the stove. If this happens you might as well sell the house, it is not pretty. Using a candy thermometer (sorry Mom, I don't use your method of cold water and a spoon to test), bring the sugary goodness to about 290 degrees. Take off the heat and set the thermometer aside. Add the baking soda and stir, it will bubble up and look like a science experiment gone awry. If you don't like coconut, leave it out but trust me, the coconut is yummy as can be! Stir in the coconut and pour the mixture onto a piece of aluminum foil that you have buttered well. Spray two big forks with non-stick cooking spray and spread out the candy until it is thin but not too thin............ think brittle here.

Let it cool completely and break into pieces. Store in a container that is as close to airtight as you can get, especially if you live in a humid climate.

Be very cautious of an open bag. As they say, an open bag is an empty bag! One of my favorite things to do with the brittle (besides eat it right out of hand) is to crunch it up pretty good and serve over ice cream. Delish.

I finally got my Brea Bag lined, buttoned, blocked and ready to go. LOVE this bag! I was worried it wouldn't be very big when I was knitting it but somehow when you put it together and get the strap on, it really is a nice sized bag. It was a blast to knit (Norah you are wonderful) and I'll actually hate to see it go. Maybe one for me....................

Have a wonderful Sunday, I hope that you are making merry indeed.