Leon'S Peanut Brittle
A crunchy, sweet peanut brittle with rich caramel flavor and toasted peanuts, perfect for sharing during festive occasions or as a satisfying homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 1/2 cup water to a boil, then add sugar and syrup.
- Stir until dissolved and boil until it will spin a thread.
- Remove from fire and add butter, soda, and vanilla quickly.
- Spread on two large well-buttered cookie sheets.
- Place in a cool area to set.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even crunchier peanut brittle, consider roasting the raw peanuts beforehand. If you don't have white syrup, corn syrup can be used as a substitute. Be cautious when boiling the sugar mixture; using a candy thermometer can help ensure the right temperature. Stir constantly to avoid burning, and work quickly when mixing in the butter and soda for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Leon's Peanut Brittle makes a delightful snack on its own or a sweet addition to a party platter. Consider pairing it with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. It also complements desserts like Ron's Rice Pudding beautifully, offering a contrast in textures that will impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can make it sticky. If you need to reheat it, a quick 10 seconds in the microwave can help soften it slightly for easier breaking, but be careful not to melt it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Leon'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 450 calories, with 2g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g 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
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw?
Yes, roasted peanuts can be used in this recipe, but they may result in a slightly different texture and flavor. If using roasted, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent burning.
What if my peanut brittle doesn't harden?
If your brittle remains soft, it may not have reached the correct temperature during cooking. Ensure you boil the mixture until it reaches the hard crack stage (around 300°F). You can reheat the mixture and try again if needed.
How can I add flavor variations to this brittle?
Consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance the flavor. You can also try mixing in chocolate chips after spreading the brittle on the sheets for a chocolatey twist.
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).