Granny Ocie'S Peanut Brittle
Granny Ocie's Peanut Brittle offers a crunchy, sweet treat with a rich peanut flavor, perfect for sharing with family and friends during holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sugar, syrup, water, peanuts, and salt on low heat until peanuts pop.
- Remove from heat and stir in soda.
- Add vanilla and spread into a buttered cookie sheet.
- Allow to cool completely.
- Break into pieces to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a successful peanut brittle, ensure that your sugar mixture reaches the hard crack stage (300°F) for the best texture. If you can't find red peanuts, you can substitute with regular peanuts for similar results. Stir continuously to prevent burning, and consider adding a dash of cayenne for a spicy twist. To enhance flavor, you could also use maple syrup instead of corn syrup.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle is a delightful treat on its own but also pairs beautifully with Bridesmaid'S Punch for a festive gathering. Consider serving it alongside other snacks like Snack Tidbits or as a sweet topping for ice cream. Break it into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing during parties or as an addition to gift baskets.
Storage & Reheating
Once the peanut brittle has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for several weeks if kept dry. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause it to become sticky. For a fresh taste, you can reheat it briefly in the oven at a low temperature to restore some crunch if it softens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny Ocie'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 319 calories, with 4g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 621mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
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
How can I tell when the sugar mixture is ready?
Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature; the mixture should reach 300°F for hard crack stage. Alternatively, you can drop a small amount into cold water; if it forms hard, brittle threads, it's ready. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch in your peanut brittle.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this peanut brittle vegan by using plant-based syrup, such as agave or maple syrup, instead of corn syrup. Just ensure that your sugar is also vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char. The other ingredients, like peanuts and vanilla, are naturally vegan.
What can I do if my peanut brittle turns out too hard?
If your peanut brittle is too hard, it may have cooked too long. To salvage it, try breaking it into smaller pieces and warming it slightly in the microwave to soften it, then reshape it on a buttered surface. In the future, monitor the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.
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).