Microwave Peanut Brittle
You can use your favorite nut in this quick and easy peanut brittle; cashews are good, so are macadamia nuts. Use your imagination
If you use macadamia nuts I recommend chopping them slightly.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 cups salted peanuts
1 Tbsp. butter
1 tsp. baking soda
Variation of the above is to substitute white sugar and use Karyo syrup in place of the brown sugar and Maple syrup.
PREPARATION:
I recommend a 1000 watt microwave although you can use a 700 watt just as well.
In 8-cup microwave safe glass measuring cup with a handle
(this is important, so you don't burn yourself), combine sugar and syrup. Stir real
good.
Microwave, uncovered, on high power for 5 minutes. I like to stop at 3 minutes and stir slightly then finish the next two minutes, but you can
experiment to see if you like it better. I tend to think the sugar and syrup liquefies better, but that is just me.
Remove from oven using a glove to protect your hand, and stir in peanuts.
Microwave this mixture, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes on high until syrup is bubbling all over the surface and the nuts are toasted.
This syrup is
very hot; be very careful!!
Stir in the butter, then microwave uncovered for 1 more minute.
Remove from microwave and stir in baking soda quickly and thoroughly. The mixture will foam up (this is the reason you have to use a large measuring
cup). Quickly pour the candy mixture into a unsalted buttered 9 x 13 pan with sides. Shake pan to level the mixture out or use the variation I
mention below.
Cool candy for 1 hour at room temperature, until hard. Break into pieces and store in airtight container. Makes 2 pounds candy
Some people Preheat their oven to 200 degrees F. and Butter a large 9 x 13 cookie sheet with sides, using unsalted butter; place cookie sheet in oven
to melt butter and keep warm. allegedly it helps to spread the brittle, however I seldom have any real problems so again experiment and use the method
that suits you best.