CAJUN PEANUT BRITTLEBeyond Cotton Country by the Junior League of Morgan County, AlabamaMakes 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.
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