Butter Peanut Brittle

Directions

1. 1
   Coat the back of a baking sheet with 2 tablespoons of the butter; set aside.
2. 2
   In a 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over high heat, cook the sugar, the water, and the corn syrup without stirring until it registers 300F on a sugar thermometer (10 to 15 minutes).
3. 3
   Brush down the sides of the pan two times with a pastry brush dipped in warm water to prevent the sugar from crystallizing.
4. 4
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and with a long-handled wooden spoon or heatproof spatula rapidly stir in 1 tablespoon of the butter, the baking soda, vanilla, and peanuts.
5. 5
   Be careful; the mixture will bubble and foam.
6. 6
   Immediately turn the mixture onto the buttered baking sheet and spread it out thin with the wooden spoon.
7. 7
   Let the brittle cool for 5 minutes, then loosen it from the pan with a flexible-blade spatula.
8. 8
   Butter your fingertips with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and stretch the brittle as thin as possible.
9. 9
   Let the brittle cool completely (about 30 minutes), then break it into pieces with your hands.
10. 10
    In a tightly covered container, the brittle will keep for 1 week at room temperature.
11. 11
    Substitute any toasted nuts for the peanuts.
12. 12
    Coconut Brittle: Substitute 2 cups lightly toasted, flaked unsweetened coconut and 1/4 teaspoon salt for the peanuts.
13. 13
    Coconut Cashew Brittle: Substitute 1 cup toasted, salted cashews and 1 cup lightly toasted, flaked or ribbon unsweetened coconut for the peanuts.