On January 26 we celebrate National Peanut Brittle Day a day to enjoy the classic confection made from sugar, corn syrup, butter, and peanuts which is known for its Crispy texture and rich, Nutty flavour. However, this is filled with peanuts, almonds, or pecans. Moreover, on this day you can enjoy the sweet delicious Peanut Brittle and share this with your friends and family to enjoy the moment. If you are a Peanut Brittle lover then this article is for you…
Did you know that New England woman in 1890 who was in the middle of making taffy but accidentally added baking soda instead of cream of tartar? After not wanting to waste any ingredients, she continued cooking and ended up with an accidental peanut bark. When she tasted it, she realized it was delicious and gave pieces to her friends along with her accidental recipe this was how the recipe was created which is also known for its accidental recipe.
Along with this another theory, is that it was originally a traditional Celtic dessert. Celts are thought to have served the brittle during holidays, supporting the theory that peanut brittle began in Europe. Also, it’s said that they made the bark by baking a mix of sugar and peanut butter. However, the candy then made its way from Europe to America in the 1830s by way of Irish settlers coming to the New World. Later on, they became known for their cooking and various traditional delicacies, one of which was their peanut butter bark which is still in practice now
However there are multiple origin stories related to Peanut Brittle and all the storied varies from country to country, this would explain the reason why peanut brittle from one side of the country might look and taste differently than peanut brittle on the opposite side.
| The 1830s (Set sail to a new world) | It’s theorised that peanut brittle made its way to the U.S. through Irish settlers coming to live in the New World. |
| 1890 (A delicious mistake) | A woman in New England might have created peanut brittle by accidentally pouring baking soda into her taffy mix instead of cream of tartar. |
| 1892 (Put it in writing) | The term “brittle” appears for the very first time in print |
| 1915 (Novelty brittle) | Samuel Sorensen Adams invented the snake peanut brittle can and the snake nut can, after pranking his wife by putting a cloth spring snake inside of a jar of jam. |
Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup raw peanuts (unsalted)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to make:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and have a heat-resistant spatula ready.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the hard crack stage.
- Once the sugar mixture reaches 300°F, carefully stir in the peanuts.
- Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 305°F (152°C) or until the peanuts are lightly golden.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter until melted and fully incorporated.
- Quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up.
- Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a heat-resistant spatula to spread it into an even layer.
- Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature. This will take about 1-2 hours.
- Once the brittle is completely cool and hardened, break it into pieces.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks.
Activities for National Peanut Brittle Day
On National Peanut Brittle Day these are the activities that you can perform to make your day memorable,
- Bake Your Own Brittle: Try making peanut brittle from scratch. There are many recipes available online, ranging from classic to unique variations. It’s a great way to get hands-on and enjoy the process of making something delicious.
- Peanut Brittle Tasting Party: Host a tasting party with friends or family. Even you can sample try different brands or homemade versions of peanut brittle and vote on your favourites.
- Peanut Brittle Gift Baskets: Create gift baskets filled with homemade or artisanal peanut brittle. This can be a thoughtful gift for friends and family, especially if you include a variety of flavours or types.
- Peanut Brittle Crafts: Also you can get creative and use peanut brittle in crafts. For example, you could use it as a fun topping for cupcakes or ice cream, or even incorporate it into a themed scrapbook or card.
- Learn About Its History: Take some time to research the history of peanut brittle. You might discover interesting facts about how it was created and its evolution over time.
- Peanut Brittle Recipes: You can even experiment with different recipes, such as adding chocolate, pretzels, or other mix-ins to your peanut brittle for a unique twist.
- Peanut Brittle-Themed Games: Organize a trivia game or quiz about peanuts, candy-making, or food history, with peanut brittle as the central theme.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Peanut Brittle Day on January 26th is a day to enjoy classic confection that’s both sweet and crunchy. Whether you choose to make it yourself, or even explore different recipes, or simply savour some store-bought brittle, it’s a fun way to appreciate this beloved treat. Celebrate with a piece of peanut brittle and maybe even share some with friends and family to spread the sweetness
FAQs
What is peanut brittle?
Peanut brittle is a hard, crunchy candy made from sugar, corn syrup, butter, and peanuts. It’s typically cooked to a high temperature to achieve its crispy texture and then cooled until it hardens.
Can I make peanut brittle without corn syrup?
Yes, you can substitute corn syrup with other ingredients like honey or agave syrup. Keep in mind that the texture and flavour may vary slightly, but the results can still be delicious.
How should I store peanut brittle?
Store peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crispy. It should last for several weeks if stored properly.
Are there any alternatives to peanuts in peanut brittle?
While peanuts are traditional, you can use other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times and temperatures as needed, since different nuts have varying properties.
Can I make peanut brittle vegan?
Traditional peanut brittle contains butter, but you can make a vegan version by substituting it with plant-based butter or margarine. Ensure that all other ingredients, like sugar and corn syrup, are vegan-friendly.
How can I make peanut brittle with different flavours?
You can experiment with different flavours by adding ingredients such as vanilla extract, cinnamon, or chocolate. You can also mix in other ingredients like pretzels or sea salt for a unique twist.
Can I use salted peanuts instead of unsalted ones?
Yes, you can use salted peanuts, but be mindful that it will make the brittle saltier. If you prefer a less salty taste, you might want to reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe.
Why is my peanut brittle too soft or chewy?
If your peanut brittle turns out too soft or chewy, it may not have reached the proper temperature during cooking. Make sure you use a candy thermometer and cook the mixture to 300°F (150°C) for the right texture.
Also, read more about National Green Juice Day – January 26, 2025
