Easy Peanut Brittle

• sugar↗2 cups
• unsalted butter (1 stick)↗8 tablespoons
• water, plus↗1⁄2 cup
• water↗2 tablespoons
• light corn syrup↗1⁄3 cup
• baking soda↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• salt↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• whole dry-roasted salted peanuts↗12 ounces

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Spray (nonstick spray) or butter a 12x16x1/2-inch pan lightly.

2. 2

   Combine the sugar, butter, water, and corn syrup in a large saucepan and stir until all the sugar is wet.

3. 3

   Cook over high heat, stirring, until the mixture turns medium golden (300°F).

4. 4

   Immediately remove from the heat and carefully whisk in the baking soda followed by the salt (take care; the mixture will rise in the pan and bubble).

5. 5

   Fold in the peanuts.

6. 6

   Quickly pour the mixture onto the prepared sheet pan and spread it out using the back of the spoon before it starts to harden. (It may not cover the whole pan).

7. 7

   Once the brittle is completely cool, break it into bite-size pieces with the back of a knife or other blunt instrument.