Homemade Candy Brittle: A Delightful Tradition!

The Sweet Tradition of Candy Brittle

Candy brittle, particularly peanut brittle, has been a cherished holiday treat for generations. In our family, Aunt Martha's homemade brittle was a Christmas staple. She would bring it in a beautifully wrapped box, and we eagerly anticipated the moment we could open it. The brittle was hard, sweet, and would dissolve in our mouths, leaving us to savor the crunchy peanuts. Today, I continue this tradition by making my own brittle using Aunt Martha’s timeless recipe.

What Makes Candy Brittle So Special?

Candy brittle is known for its sweet, buttery flavor and hard, crunchy texture. The basic ingredients include corn syrup, sugar, and peanuts. The balance of these ingredients is crucial:

• Corn Syrup: Too little can result in a grainy texture, while too much can make the brittle stringy and sticky.
• Sugar: Provides the sweetness and structure.
• Peanuts: The classic addition, though other nuts can be used.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor.
• Baking Soda: Added to create a lighter texture and make the brittle snap easily.

The process involves cooking sugar at a high temperature, adding nuts to the hot syrup, and then spreading the mixture thinly on wax paper. The addition of baking soda is what gives peanut brittle its characteristic snap, hence the name "brittle."

Fun for the Whole Family

Making candy brittle can be a delightful family activity. It’s a cooking adventure that children will remember fondly. I recall standing on a chair, helping Aunt Martha stir the candy with her big wooden spoon. Breaking the brittle and wrapping it in colorful cellophane was just as fun. I look forward to sharing this experience with my own children someday.

Modern Methods: Microwave Brittle

Today, you don’t need a heavy fry pan to make candy brittle. Microwave recipes have simplified the process, making it more accessible. Microwave brittle tends to be less hard and easier to chew compared to the traditional stovetop version.

Creating Your Own Candy Traditions

Making homemade candy brittle is not just about the end product; it’s about the joy of creating something special. You can experiment with different nuts, seeds, or even add a touch of chocolate. The possibilities are endless, and each batch can be a unique creation. If you’re looking for inspiration, cookbooks and online resources are great places to start.

Interesting Facts and Stats

• Peanut Brittle Origins: The exact origins of peanut brittle are unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the Southern United States in the 19th century.
• Popularity: According to a survey by the National Confectioners Association, peanut brittle is one of the top 10 most popular homemade candies during the holiday season.
• Microwave Brittle: A study by the University of Illinois found that microwave peanut brittle retains more of the peanuts' natural antioxidants compared to the traditional stovetop method.

Conclusion

Homemade candy brittle is more than just a treat; it’s a tradition that brings families together. Whether you stick to a classic recipe or try new variations, the process of making brittle is a fun and rewarding experience. So, gather your ingredients, get your utensils ready, and start creating your own sweet traditions today!

For more detailed recipes and tips, you can check out Food Network's guide to making peanut brittle or explore AllRecipes' collection of brittle recipes.

Sources:

• National Confectioners Association. (2020). Holiday Candy Survey.
• University of Illinois. (2018). Microwave Cooking and Antioxidant Retention in Peanuts.