2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 TBSP butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
In a saucepan over medium/medium-high heat combine sugar, water and salt. When the mixture comes to a gentle boil and the sugar is dissolved, set a timer for ten minutes. Stirring occasionally, watch for the color to change from clear, to a light amber color. This may take 10 minutes or up to 20, depending on the heat of medium/medium-high on your stove. As soon as the color is a light, golden amber – get it off the heat! If you’d like, use a candy thermometer and when the mixture reaches 300(F) take it off the heat. Working quickly, and stirring continuously, add butter, vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will foam. Continue stirring until the foaming subsides and the mixture starts to get glossy. Stir in the nuts all at once and quickly turn out onto a silicon baking mat or very well greased baking sheet.
NOTES:
Makes about 5 cups brittle. Have all of the ingredients and equipment prepared before beginning. Once the sugar changes color you will need to act quickly. It’s also important to have even heat when you’re making candy. Use a heavy saucepan if possible. If you question your pan or your heating SOURCE, you can put your saucepan into a cast iron skillet to help distribute the heat.