Jerry Norton Peanut Brittle
Sweet and crunchy peanut brittle with rich caramel flavors, roasted peanuts, and hints of vanilla and butter, perfect for sharing or gifting to caramel and nut lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 1/2 cup water to a boil in a heavy pan.
- Add sugar and syrup to the boiling water.
- Cook until the mixture spins a thread when lifted with a spoon.
- Add the peanuts to the caramel mixture.
- Continue cooking until the mixture turns golden brown and looks like it's about to burn.
- Remove from heat and add butter, vanilla, and baking soda.
- Stir well and pour the mixture onto a buttered cookie sheet.
- Allow to cool and harden before breaking into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture for your peanut brittle, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of your mixture, aiming for around 300°F (hard crack stage). If you want to add a different flavor, consider substituting the vanilla with almond extract. Ensure your pan is well-greased to prevent sticking, and work quickly when pouring the mixture onto the cookie sheet as it sets rapidly.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own, or you can serve it as a crunchy topping for ice cream. It also pairs beautifully with Amy's Cornbread for a sweet and savory contrast. Consider wrapping pieces in cellophane for a homemade gift, or serve alongside other treats like Ole Timey Chocolate Cake for a festive dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can cause it to become sticky. If the brittle becomes too hard, you can gently reheat it in a low oven for a few minutes to soften slightly before breaking into pieces again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jerry Norton Peanut Brittle contains roughly 194 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 566mg per serving (25% 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 other types of nuts in peanut brittle?
Yes, you can substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans. Just ensure that the nuts you choose are unsalted and roasted, as this will enhance their flavor and texture in the brittle.
What should I do if my peanut brittle is too soft?
If your peanut brittle turns out too soft, it may not have reached the right temperature during cooking. You can reheat the mixture gently and cook it a bit longer to reach the hard crack stage. Make sure to use a candy thermometer for accuracy next time.
How can I prevent my peanut brittle from sticking together?
To prevent your peanut brittle from sticking, make sure to spread it evenly on a well-greased cookie sheet. You can also place parchment paper on the sheet before pouring the mixture to minimize sticking. Store pieces in a single layer, separated by wax paper, for best results.
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).