Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: We have a reunion soon, and I wanted to bring the Heloise peanut brittle, but I’ve misplaced the recipe. I remember it was pretty easy to make. Can you reprint it? – Pat, Kalispell, Mont.

I sure can. What makes this delicious recipe quick and easy is that it’s made in the microwave.

Peanut Brittle

1 cup of granulated sugar

1/2 cup of light corn syrup

1 1/2 cup of raw (skin on) peanuts

1/8 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of butter

1 teaspoon of baking soda

Cover a cookie sheet with some aluminum foil and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine sugar, light corn syrup, peanuts and salt, and mix together. Place in the microwave and heat on high for 8 minutes, stirring well halfway through.

Stir in the vanilla and butter and microwave for another 2 minutes on high.

Carefully take the bowl out – it will be extremely hot.

Add the baking soda and immediately stir until you see the mixture is foamy and light, but don’t overstir.

Quickly pour onto the baking sheet, using a metal knife.

Evenly spread to about ¼-inch thick. Let it cool, then break the peanut brittle into big pieces.

Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag. This recipe yields about a pound of peanut brittle.

– Heloise

P.S.: Since microwave wattages vary, you might need to adjust the times a little. You must watch carefully or the peanuts will burn – trust me.