12 Days of Christmas: Spicy Peanut Brittle

When I think of the Christmas season, I think of making homemade candy. Growing up, we would make fudge and haystacks EVERY year. We would also receive so many homemade food gifts. I love receiving these because I know the care that went into making them. I’m really looking forward to sharing this experience with my kids this year….well, at least, Eden. Ezra would just be throwing all the ingredients on the floor and rolling around in them. #secondchild

Peanut Brittle is one of those things that make a GREAT food gift. It’s delicious and pretty and easily packaged in beautiful ways. It hold up for awhile and is perfect for a treat to pass to friends and neighbors.

Now, I know what you are thinking. “Peanut Brittle? That seems hard. If it involves a candy thermometer, I’m not doing it.” I know, I know. I have been intimidated to make it for a long time thinking I would never be able to make it turn out. Until…

Until, I found a recipe that involved using a Microwave. What???!?! A microwave? There is no way that would turn out. But, I tried it. Let me tell you….it was DELICIOUS! It took 15 minutes and was ridiculously easy and the perfect crunchy texture you love about brittle. I couldn’t NOT share it with you. Make this. Package it. Give it out to ALL of your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors.

Also, I love the combo of sweet & spicy. It makes this brittle so special to have that spicy kick at the end. You can certainly leave it out, but if you are more adventurous, leave it in. You will love the unexpected flavor.

See below for step x step instructions (with pictures) and scroll to the bottom for the printable recipe!

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Glass Mixing Bowls

Recipe:

STEP 1: Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spray it with Cooking Spray.

Silpat

STEP 2: In a medium bowl, combine peanuts, cayenne pepper and cinnamon together. Set aside.

Glass Mixing Bowls

STEP 3: Add sugar, corn syrup and salt to a large, microwave-safe bowl and stir to combine.

Glass Mixing Bowls

STEP 4: Microwave on high for 4 minutes.

STEP 5: Stir in the peanut mixture and microwave on high for 3 1/2 minutes.

Glass Mixing Bowls

Glass Mixing Bowls

STEP 6: Stir in butter and vanilla and microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes.

Glass Mixing Bowls

Glass Mixing Bowls

STEP 7: Stir in baking soda (Be careful here. It will foam a bit.).

Glass Mixing Bowls

STEP 8: Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a thin layer. You will want to work quickly here.

Silpat

STEP 9: Allow to cool completely then break into pieces.

Products I Used:

Printable Recipe:

Print

Spicy Peanut Brittle

Adapted from Real Simple

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry roasted peanuts
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

1. Prepare a large baking sheet bu lining it with parchment paper of a silicone mat. Spray with cooking spray.

2. In a medium bowl, combine peanuts, cayenne pepper and cinnamon together. Set aside.

3. Add sugar, corn syrup and salt to a large microwavable bowl and stir to combine.

4. Microwave on high for 4 minutes.

5. Stir in the peanut mixture and microwave on high for 3 1/2 minutes.

6. Stir butter and vanilla and microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes.

7. Stir in baking soda. Be careful here as it will foam a bit.

8. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a thin layer. Work quickly.

9. Allow brittle to cool completely then break into pieces.

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