Butter Brittle

Directions

1. 1
   In a heavy 3-quart saucepan, stir together the sugar, water and corn syrup.
2. 2
   Over medium heat, stirring constantly, bring to a boil. Add peanuts gradually so mixture continues to boil.
3. 3
   Cook, stirring often, to 260° on a candy thermometer or until a teaspoon of mixture dropped in a cup of cold water forms a ball that is plastic but hard enough to hold its shape.
4. 4
   Add butter and stir until it melts.
5. 5
   Continue cooking, stirring often, to 300° or until a teaspoon dropped into cold water separates into hard brittle threads. Remove from heat. Quickly stir in baking soda. Pour onto 2 ungreased cookie sheets.
6. 6
   Spread with a spatula. When cold, break into pieces.
7. 7
   Makes about 2 1/2 pounds.