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Microwave Peanut Brittle

Peanut Brittle, a family favorite at Christmastime, can now be made easily in the microwave in about 7 1/2 minutes.
Prep Time7 mins
Cook Time8 mins
Total Time15 mins
Author: Terri @ that's some good cookin'

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw peanuts, these are dry, raw peanuts - not roasted or baked
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

For a 1100-1200 watt microwave:

  • Butter/grease a cookie sheet. Alternatively, line a cookie sheet with a Silpat or buttered foil. Set aside.
  • In a large glass (no plastic) microwave safe bowl, stir together the raw peanuts, sugar, corn syrup and salt. (If using baked or roasted peanuts do not add add at this time.)
  • Cook 3 minutes on high.
  • Stir well. If using baked or roasted peanuts, add them now and stir.
  • Cook 3 minutes on high.
  • Stir in butter and vanilla.
  • Cook 1 1/2 minutes longer on high.
  • Add baking soda and stir quickly until light and foamy.
  • Immediately pour onto lightly greased cookie sheet.
  • Cool and break. I 'drop' the pan on the counter top once or twice to break up the brittle. It works great! If there are still large pieces remaining, simply break them by hand. They snap easily.

Instructions for 1000 watt microwaves:

  • Follow the cooking instructions the same as for the 1100-1200 watt microwaves except that the cooking times will be 3 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes.

Instructions for 700-800 watt microwaves:

  • Follow the cooking instructions the same as for the 1100-1200 watt microwave except that the cooking times will be 4 minutes, 4 minutes, 2 minutes.

Notes

  • The peanuts should be dry, raw peanuts (not roasted). I generally use spanish peanuts - they have the red papery skin on them. Look in the baking section of your grocery store. If you can only find baked peanuts, then the peanuts should not be added to the peanut brittle until the second timing period.
  • The cooking instructions are very, very simple; but read them carefully so that you can add the right ingredients at the correct time.
  • Do not double this recipe. Doubling does not work well.
  • Allow the bowl to cool before cleaning. The hot bowl will shatter if placed in water, especially cool or cold water.