📖 Instructions

1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the brittle from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you'll appreciate this step later!
2. Roast the Peanuts (if raw): If you're using raw peanuts, spread them on a baking sheet and roast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Let them cool slightly. Roasting brings out their nutty flavor and adds a depth you won't want to miss.
3. Combine Sugar and Corn Syrup: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Using corn syrup helps to prevent crystallization, ensuring a smooth, glassy brittle.
4. Add Water and Salt: Stir in the water and salt. The water helps dissolve the sugar, and the salt balances the sweetness.
5. Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Insert a candy thermometer, making sure it doesn't touch the bottom of the pan.
6. Monitor the Temperature: Cook the mixture until it reaches 300°F (149°C), also known as the hard-crack stage. This can take about 15-20 minutes. Watch closely! The temperature rises quickly towards the end, and burning it is a real possibility.
7. Add Butter and Vanilla: Once the mixture reaches 300°F, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
8. Incorporate the Peanuts: Add the roasted peanuts to the mixture and stir quickly to coat them evenly. Work fast, as the mixture will start to thicken and harden as it cools.
9. Pour onto Baking Sheet: Immediately pour the peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a heat-resistant spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer. The thinner the layer, the easier it will be to break into pieces later.
10. Optional: Sprinkle with Sea Salt: If desired, sprinkle the top of the brittle with a pinch of sea salt while it's still warm. This adds a wonderful contrast to the sweetness.
11. Cool Completely: Let the peanut brittle cool completely at room temperature. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes. Resist the urge to touch it; you want it to harden properly.
12. Break into Pieces: Once the brittle is completely cool and hard, break it into pieces. You can use your hands or a knife to score it before breaking. Now, step back and admire your handiwork – you made peanut brittle!
13. Store Properly: Store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from becoming sticky. Oh, and try not to eat it all at once!