Hazel And Gordon'S Peanut Brittle
Hazelnuts and Gordon's Peanut Brittle offer a crunchy, sweet treat with rich peanut flavor, perfect for sharing during holidays or as a homemade gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare greased heavy-duty foil by spraying with Pam and set aside.
- In a heavy-duty boiler, heat sugar, syrup, and butter over low heat, stirring often.
- When the mixture starts to bubble, add the raw peanuts and cook until reaching a temperature just above the hard crack stage, using a candy thermometer.
- Turn off the heat and quickly add baking soda and salt, stirring vigorously as the mixture bubbles up.
- Immediately pour the mixture onto the greased foil and spread out evenly.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect brittle, ensure your candy thermometer is accurate, as cooking temperature is crucial. If you prefer a nut-free version, consider substituting with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, though the flavor will differ. For a twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract just before pouring onto the foil.
Serving Suggestions
Break the brittle into irregular pieces for a rustic presentation. It makes a delightful snack on its own or can be used as a topping for ice cream, pairing beautifully with Autumn Apple. Serve alongside coffee or tea for a sweet treat at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps well for several weeks. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can cause it to lose its crunch. If it becomes sticky, briefly re-crisp in the oven at a low temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hazel And Gordon'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 249 calories, with 4g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1182mg per serving (51% 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
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute raw peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews. Just keep in mind that different nuts have varying cooking times and flavors, so adjust accordingly.
What should I do if my brittle is too soft?
If your brittle is not hardening properly, it may not have reached the right temperature. You can try returning it to the heat for a few more minutes, but be cautious not to burn it.
How can I tell when the brittle is done cooking?
The brittle is done when it reaches a temperature of about 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. It should bubble vigorously and turn a light golden color.
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).