Gayle's Spicy Peanut Brittle

I was experimenting with some ideas that I had for making candy for my holiday baskets, and came up with this twist on peanut brittle. I loved it, and found it so addicting, that I had to send it all home with my stepdaughter.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 2  cups sugar
• 1  cup  light Karo syrup
• 1  cup water
• 2  cups raw peanuts
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1  tablespoon butter
• 1  tablespoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Directions

1. In a large heavy pan combine: sugar, Karo Syrup and water.
2. Boil this mixture until it reaches 238 degrees on a candy thermometer.
3. Then add raw peanuts. 1/4 tsp salt. Continue to cook, stirring frequently.
4. Continue cooking and stirring until thermometer reaches 290 degrees - hard crack - remove from the burner and add: vanilla and butter.
5. Quickly stir together and add: baking soda and cayenne.
6. Mix well and, working quickly, pour onto buttered cookie sheet. Use two if you want it super thin. Spread quickly and let cool.
7. Break into pieces and store in airtight tin or canister.
8. Gnote: I have doubled this recipe but mostly I make a batch and a half as it fits in the pan better when boiling up.
9. I have made this with cashews and other nuts, too. Good stuff and not hard on the teeth!