I think that Christmas candies are enjoyed for several reasons. There are certain Christmas candies that I love because of their flavor, their are other that I love because of their appearance, and there are some that make their way to our holiday plates merely out of tradition.
Fudge is a bit rich in texture and flavor for my preference, but in our home you must make at least one batch. Divinity is the Christmas treat that I always yearned for as a little girl, but never received, due to burnt out mixer motors. And Toffee is one treat that I leave up to my mother, because mine never seems to turn out just right.
While peanut brittle hasn't been a candy that is traditionally found on my own personal candy plate, it seems to be a Christmas staple. My sister in law was kind enough to share her family recipe with us.
Peanut Brittle
1 Cup Sugar
1 1/2 C Corn Syrup
1/2 C Water
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Soda
2 Cus Raw Peanuts
Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook to a full boil. Add peanuts. Cook until syrup is browned, but not burnt. Add baking soda. Leave on heat until foamy, and syrup is a golden brown.
Quickly turn out onto a buttered pan. Allow to cool. Crack into pieces.
Note: This makes a relatively small batch. If you are making this recipe for a crowd, you will want to double or triple the recipe.
I think that the key aspect of this recipe is ensuring that the mixture doesn't burn. It seems that sugar syrups can quickly go from a nice golden brown, to a sticky and stinky clump.
Peanut brittle, homemade caramels, and coconut bon bons. Oh how I love Christmas.
Check out all of the wonderful holiday recipes at the Holiday Recipe Link Party. Be sure to link up your favorite recipes as well.
I'll be linking here.
