Peanut Brittle

Step 1: Butter 2 baking sheets; keep warm. (Baking Sheets maybe kept in a very low heated oven).

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the baking soda, 1 teaspoon water, and vanilla; set aside.

Step 3: In a large saucepan, combine sugar, 1 cup water, and corn syrup. Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, to 240 degrees on the candy thermometer.

Step 4: When temperture reaches 240 degrees, stir in the butter and peanuts. Cook stirring constantly to 300 degrees. Watch carefully so mixture does not burn.

Step 5: When temperture reaches 300 degrees, immediately remove from heat and stir in the small bowl mixture of soda, water, and vanilla and mix thoroughly.

Step 6: Remove the baking sheets from the warm oven. Quickly pour half of the candy mixture on to each warm baking sheet; spread evenly and very thinly about 1/4 inch thick. (key to good brittleness is the thinness of the candy).

Step 7: Cool completely. When candy has cooled, break into pieces. Store into an airtight container.