Grandma Kirby'S Peanut Brittle
Grandma Kirby's Peanut Brittle offers a crunchy, sweet treat with rich peanut flavor and caramel notes. Perfect for holiday gifting or a satisfying snack, it appeals to those who love homemade confections with a nostalgic touch and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sugar, syrup, and water to soft ball stage (294°) on a candy thermometer.
- Add peanuts; cook until the mixture turns amber in color.
- Add soda; stir quickly. Then add vanilla and butter.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased marble slab or similar surface.
- Allow to cool completely, then break into pieces.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a perfect peanut brittle, ensure your candy thermometer is accurate, as cooking to the soft ball stage (294°F) is crucial for the right texture. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or pecans can be excellent substitutes for peanuts. Stir continuously to prevent scorching, especially as the mixture thickens and darkens in color.
Serving Suggestions
Break the peanut brittle into bite-sized pieces for serving. It makes a delightful snack on its own or can be paired with a hot beverage like coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider placing it in decorative bags as gifts or serving alongside slices of Mom'S Best Pecan Pie(Ethel Greenwood Chadwick) during holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can make the brittle sticky. If it becomes soft, simply leave it out for a few hours to regain its crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Kirby'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 267 calories, with 4g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my peanut brittle is too hard?
If your peanut brittle turns out too hard, it may have been cooked a bit too long. To soften, you can try placing it in a warm oven for a few minutes, but be cautious not to melt it. Next time, check the temperature closely and remove it as soon as it reaches the soft ball stage.
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw peanuts?
Yes, you can use roasted peanuts for this recipe. However, keep in mind that they will add a deeper flavor and could change the cooking time slightly. If using salted roasted peanuts, you may want to reduce the amount of added salt or skip it entirely to avoid an overly salty brittle.
How can I tell when the peanut brittle is ready to pour?
The peanut brittle mixture is ready to pour when it reaches an amber color and has a temperature of around 294°F on your candy thermometer. A small test drop in cold water should form a soft ball. Timing is key, so watch closely for the right color and consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).