Sue's Peanut Brittle

Submitted by Sue1offive

2 Cups Sugar
1 Cup Light Corn Syrup
1 Cup Water
2 Cups Raw Peanuts, or salted or  Mixed Nuts
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

Generously butter 2 cookie sheets, OR line them with foil and butter the foil.  ( this makes for much easier clean-up and works much better for me.)

In large saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and water.  Cook until sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Continue cooking until candy thermometer reaches 300F. ( hard-crack stage) stirring occasionally. You must let it get to 300, this part is VERY important.  If it doesn't get to that degree, your brittle will turn out very chewy, and sticky.
Stir in butter and nuts (of your choice).  Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and soda.  Pour onto prepared cookie sheets, spread as thin as possible and do this very quickly.  It begins to harden very fast.
When completely cool, break into pieces. Store in airtight container in a dry place. 

Makes 2 lbs.

Note:  I find that if the weather is humid or raining, the brittle doesn't turn out as well as when it's dry.