One you know is good? It also needs to be somewhat easy. Microwavable is fine. I want to make it with the daycare kiddos for them to give some to their parents for Christmas (along with a photo ornament they'll also make). I've found several online, but I'm looking for a tried and true one. TIA

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, November 21, 2004 - 10:06 am:

The problem with peanut brittle or any other candy based on a syrup is that you have to heat the syrup to a high level - usually over 290 degrees. To my mind this has high risks with young children, and I'd strongly recommend against it. I urge you to think about some other kinds of candies that don't pose that kind of risk, or bake cookies that the kids can decorate. I know this isn't what you asked for, but it is just imo.

Otherwise, I have checked some microwave peanut brittle recipes and matched them against having made peanut brittle in the past, and these seem like they would work well. All of them note that the bowl will be hot when you take it out of the microwave and to use potholders.

http://peanutvan.com.au/recipe22.htm

http://www.anniesrecipes.com/Kitchen/brittle.htm

This one from Planters looks really easy. I have broken it with spaces after some of the / so it won't spread the thread. Just delete the two spaces after you post in your adress bar:
http://www.kraftfoods.com/recipes/ CookiesCandyOtherDesserts/OtherCandies/ PLANTERSMicrowavePeanutBrittle.html

http://www.mcgees.com/kitchen/recipes/kidstuff/k089609.htm

By Bea on Sunday, November 21, 2004 - 11:17 pm:

By Cat on Sunday, November 21, 2004 - 11:28 pm:

Oh, Ginny, I'd never let the kids help with the hot ingredients. They can help me put them together, though and then help break it up and put it in tins when it's cooled. We have some other crafts planned, too, that they can work on while I do the hot stuff.

Bea, have you tried this recipe? I have salted peanuts, so do I reduce the salt or omit it or leave it the way it is? I have everything except the Karo syrup. I'm going to be getting that this week sometime.

Thanx to you both.

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, November 22, 2004 - 09:52 am:

According to a complicated recipe I read in Joy of Cooking, rub salted peanuts between paper towels to remove as much salt as you can, and reduce/omit the salt in the recipe. (Personally, I tend to omit salt from most recipes and have not found it made any taste difference. I would certainly omit the salt if you are using salted peanuts.)

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, November 22, 2004 - 09:55 am:

Oh, and apologies. I didn't mean to imply that you would let the kids have anything to do with hot stuff. I was actually thinking about the process of transferring hot stuff from a pot on the stove to a cookie sheet and the risk of spilling, since I have done that to myself.

By Cat on Monday, November 22, 2004 - 12:15 pm:

No apoligies needed, Ginny. I know you know I'd never put the kids at risk. I do want them to help as much as possible so they can get the pride of "do it myself!" lol We got tins this morning (thank goodness for dollar stores!) and I got karo syrup, so we should be all ready to go. I think we'll wait a couple weeks, though. I know peanut brittle lasts a while, but I don't want to make it too early if they're going to give it to parents for Christmas. Maybe we'll go ahead and make a trial batch. The kids would love that. Thanx for all your help, Ginny.

Bea, I think we'll go ahead and use your recipe. I've found several online and they all look about the same. Except for one really complicated cooktop one that would take me an hour alone, then add in kids trying to help and it'd be an all day affair! lol Thanx!

By Colette on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 06:43 pm:

Cat or anyone, did you try this recipe? My fil LOVES peanut brittle and I think some homemade peanut brittle would be nice for him for christmas.

By Cat on Thursday, December 16, 2004 - 12:46 pm:

MICROWAVE PEANUT BRITTLE
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 pinch salt (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
________________________________________
DIRECTIONS:
1. Grease a baking sheet, and set aside. In a glass bowl, combine peanuts, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook in microwave for 6 to 7 minutes on High (700 W); mixture should be bubbly and peanuts browned. Stir in butter and vanilla; cook 2 to 3 minutes longer.
2. Quickly stir in baking soda, just until mixture is foamy. Pour immediately onto greased baking sheet. Let cool 15 minutes, or until set. Break into pieces, and store in an airtight container.