Making microwave pecan or peanut brittle is a simple and rewarding process, perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet, nutty treat. Enjoy your homemade brittle!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup white corn syrup (any brand)
- 1 cup pecans or peanuts (or more, if desired)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp real butter
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla (real or imitation)
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Microwave Bowl: Use a large microwave-safe Pyrex bowl with a handle. The handle makes it easier to handle the hot bowl.
- Combine Sugar and Corn Syrup: In the microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar and white corn syrup.
- Microwave First Round: Microwave the sugar and corn syrup mixture on high for 3 minutes. Be cautious as the mixture will be very hot.
- Add Nuts and Salt: Carefully stir in the pecans or peanuts and the first teaspoon of salt. The mixture will be very sticky, so work quickly.
- Microwave Second Round: Microwave the mixture for an additional 3 minutes. The mixture will continue to heat and become more caramelized.
- Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: After the second round, add the real butter and vanilla to the mixture. Stir well.
- Microwave Final Round: Microwave for an additional 90 seconds. The mixture should have a rich, caramel color.
- Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle the baking soda over the hot mixture and mix using a folding motion. Be prepared for the mixture to foam and expand.
- Pour and Cool: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto a well-greased cookie sheet. You can use a non-stick spray or Pam to grease the sheet.
- Cool and Break: To expedite cooling, place the cookie sheet on two cups or a cooling rack. Once the brittle has cooled, break it into pieces.
- Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. You can adjust the time slightly if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Enjoy your delicious microwave pecan or peanut brittle, a delightful treat with a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors! It’s a wonderful recipe to keep and pass down through the generations.
Certainly, here are more details and some additional tips for making microwave pecan or peanut brittle:
Additional Tips:
- Prepare in Advance: Before you start cooking, have all your ingredients and tools ready. This includes measuring out the sugar, corn syrup, nuts, salt, butter, baking soda, and vanilla.
- Use a Large Bowl: A large microwave-safe bowl is essential as the mixture will bubble and expand as it cooks. Using a bowl with a handle makes it easier to handle the hot bowl.
- Stirring: When you add the nuts and salt in the second round of microwaving, the mixture will become very sticky. Stir quickly and carefully to evenly distribute the nuts.
- Safety: Be extremely cautious when working with the hot mixture, as it can cause burns. Use oven mitts or a towel when handling the hot bowl.
- Stirring in Baking Soda: When you add the baking soda, the mixture will foam vigorously. Be prepared for this reaction, and use a folding motion to incorporate the baking soda thoroughly.
- Pour Quickly: Once you’ve added the baking soda and mixed it in, pour the hot mixture onto the greased cookie sheet immediately. The mixture will start to cool and harden quickly.
Adjusting Cooking Time:
- The cooking time specified in the recipe is a general guideline. Microwave wattage can vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time based on your microwave’s power. If the mixture isn’t caramelized enough after the specified times, you can microwave in additional 30-second intervals until you achieve the desired color and consistency.
Cooling:
- It’s essential to let the brittle cool completely before breaking it into pieces. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the cookie sheet on top of two cups or a cooling rack. This allows air to circulate underneath, helping the brittle cool more evenly.
Breaking into Pieces:
- Once the brittle is fully cooled and hardened, you can break it into pieces using your hands or by gently tapping it with a kitchen mallet or the back of a spoon.
Storage:
- Store your pecan or peanut brittle in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature, and it makes for a delightful treat or gift.
