Dixie Peanut Brittle

Introduction

History

Peanut brittle has been a popular treat in the United States since the early 19th century. The combination of sugar, corn syrup, peanuts, and baking soda creates a deliciously crunchy candy that is loved by many.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a heavy saucepan to prevent the sugar from burning.

- Stir the mixture constantly to ensure even cooking.

- Use a candy thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature of the sugar mixture.

- Be careful when adding the baking soda, as it will cause the mixture to foam up.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dixie Peanut Brittle as a snack or dessert. It pairs well with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect peanut brittle is to cook the sugar mixture to the hard crack stage, which is around 293°F (145°C). This will ensure that the candy sets up properly and has the right texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have corn syrup on hand, you can substitute honey or maple syrup in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Dixie Peanut Brittle can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Presentation Ideas

Package the peanut brittle in decorative bags or boxes for a homemade gift. You can also serve it on a platter with other candies and treats.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Dixie Peanut Brittle with a glass of sweet tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Dixie Peanut Brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. If it becomes sticky, you can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature to restore its crunchiness.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dixie Peanut Brittle contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Dixie Peanut Brittle contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Dixie Peanut Brittle contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Dixie Peanut Brittle contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Peanuts are a good source of vitamin E, niacin, folate, and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Dixie Peanut Brittle is a sweet and crunchy treat that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Dixie Peanut Brittle is a classic candy that is easy to make and delicious to eat. With the perfect combination of sweetness and crunch, this treat is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Dixie Peanut Brittle. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the heart of the South. My grandmother, who was a renowned cook in our small town, had invited me to spend the day with her in her cozy kitchen.

As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by the warm and comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar. My grandmother, a petite woman with silver hair and a twinkle in her eye, was bustling about the kitchen, her hands moving deftly as she measured out ingredients and stirred pots on the stove.

"Come here, child," she said, beckoning me over to the counter. "Today, I'm going to teach you how to make Dixie Peanut Brittle. It's a family recipe that's been passed down for generations."

I watched in awe as my grandmother began to explain the process of making the brittle. She showed me how to combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy-bottomed pot, and how to cook the mixture until it reached the perfect amber hue. Then, she added in peanuts and a dash of salt, stirring everything together until it formed a sticky, gooey mass.

"Now comes the tricky part," my grandmother said, pouring the hot mixture onto a greased baking sheet. "You have to work quickly to spread it out evenly before it hardens."

I watched as she deftly spread the mixture with a spatula, creating a thin, crispy layer of peanut brittle. As the brittle cooled and hardened, my grandmother handed me a piece to try.

The first bite was pure heaven. The crunchy peanuts, the sweet caramelized sugar, and the hint of salt all combined to create a flavor explosion in my mouth. I couldn't believe that something so simple could taste so delicious.

From that day on, I was hooked. I begged my grandmother to teach me more of her recipes, and she was more than happy to oblige. Over the years, I learned how to make everything from fried chicken to peach cobbler, but Dixie Peanut Brittle remained my favorite.

I would make batches of the brittle for family gatherings, church potlucks, and holiday parties. Everyone raved about how delicious it was, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was carrying on my grandmother's legacy.

As the years passed, I moved away from my small town and started a family of my own. But no matter where I went, I always made sure to bring a tin of Dixie Peanut Brittle with me. It became a symbol of home, a taste of the South that reminded me of lazy summer afternoons spent in my grandmother's kitchen.

Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, with the scent of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the air, I can't help but think of my grandmother and the time we spent together. She may no longer be with us, but her recipes live on in me, passed down from generation to generation.

And so, whenever I make a batch of Dixie Peanut Brittle, I say a silent thank you to my grandmother for teaching me the art of cooking and for instilling in me a love of good food. Her spirit lives on in every crunchy bite, reminding me of the power of tradition and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

As I pack up a tin of brittle to send to my children and grandchildren, I can't help but smile. I may not be the renowned cook that my grandmother was, but I know that her legacy lives on in the recipes that she passed down to me. And for that, I am forever grateful.

Categories

| American Recipes | Candy Recipes | Peanut Recipes | Southern Recipes |

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