CAJUN PEANUT BRITTLE
Beyond Cotton Country by the Junior League of Morgan County, Alabama
Makes 1 pound

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 1/4 cups unsalted dry roasted peanuts
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda

Combine sugar and corn syrup in a 2-quart glass measuring cup. Microwave on high for 4 minutes.

Stir in peanuts with a wooden spoon. Microwave for 3 minutes.

Stir in cayenne pepper, butter and vanilla. Microwave on high for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes or until the mixture registers 300 degrees on a candy thermometer, hard-crack stage.

Add baking soda, stirring until light and foamy. Pour quickly onto a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Spread with the back of a spoon.

Use 2 forks to spread thinly as the candy cools. Let stand to cool completely. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Note: This recipe must be prepared in a 2-quart glass measuring cup with a handle. The syrup gets very hot and must be taken in and out of the microwave. For plain peanut brittle, omit the cayenne pepper.