Mary Berry Peanut Brittle
Delve into the world of homemade sweets with this classic Peanut Brittle recipe, a delightful concoction that marries the crunchiness of peanuts with the smoothness of golden syrup and sugar. Perfect as a gift or a treat for yourself, this recipe offers a sweet and salty experience that's hard to resist.
A Brief Description of Peanut Brittle: Peanut Brittle is a hard candy embedded with peanuts, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and a nutty crunch. It's a beloved treat in many cultures, known for its delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Cultural or Historical Context: Peanut Brittle has a rich history, with variations found around the world. It's often associated with holiday traditions and family gatherings, making it more than just a sweet treat but a symbol of joy and celebration.
Ingredients for the Peanut Brittle:
- Unsalted Butter: 60g
- Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Golden Caster Sugar: 185g
- Water: 1 tablespoon
- Lyle’s Golden Syrup: 200g
- Salted peanuts: 200g
Preparation Instructions:
- Begin by melting butter, sugar, and water in a pan over gentle heat, stirring continuously.
- Introduce Lyle's Golden Syrup into the mixture and continue stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, testing its readiness by dropping a bit into ice-cold water to see if it hardens.
- Add the peanuts to the mixture, stirring and testing again for the hard-crack stage.
- Once ready, pour the mixture onto a lightly greased baking tray to set.
- Allow it to harden for about 30 minutes before breaking it into pieces.
Storage and Reheating:
Store the peanut brittle in a covered container to maintain its crispness. There's no need to reheat, but ensure it's kept in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming sticky.
Nutritional Information:
While specific details vary, peanut brittle primarily contains calories from sugar and fats from the peanuts, offering a mix of carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
FAQ about the Peanut Brittle:
- Can I use different types of nuts? Yes, while traditional peanut brittle uses peanuts, feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or cashews for a different flavor.
- How do I know when it's reached the hard-crack stage? Use a candy thermometer; the hard-crack stage is reached at 149°C to 154°C (300°F to 310°F).
- Can peanut brittle be made without a candy thermometer? Yes, the cold water test can help determine the candy's stage, but a thermometer is recommended for accuracy.
Enjoy breaking and sharing this delightful treat, a testament to the simple joy of homemade candies. This cracking Peanut Brittle recipe, inspired by Lyle’s Golden Syrup, is sure to bring sweetness to any occasion.