Spicy Honey Peanut Brittle is a delightful twist on the classic candy treat, bringing a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch. This recipe elevates traditional peanut brittle with a hint of cayenne pepper, making it an exciting culinary adventure for your taste buds.
The star of our show is, of course, the granulated sugar, which forms the base of our brittle, providing sweetness and structure. Light corn syrup helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish. Water is just here to dissolve everything uniformly before we bring the mixture to boil. Honey adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the peanuts beautifully. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, while cayenne pepper gives that unexpected spicy kick. Roasted peanuts bring the crunch and classic nutty flavor. Unsalted butter adds richness and helps in spreading the mixture evenly. Vanilla extract offers a warm, aromatic note. Lastly, baking soda is the magic ingredient that aerates the brittle, making it light and crispy.
Spicy Honey Peanut Brittle pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet and spicy dessert. It also makes a fantastic topping for yogurt or oatmeal, adding a bit of crunch and flavor. For a festive gift, wrap pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon.
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside within arm's reach. You’ll be pouring hot candy onto it soon, so it’s best to have it ready. Now, grab a large saucepan and combine your sugar, corn syrup, water, honey, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely. You want the mixture to be smooth with no grainy texture.
Once the sugar is dissolved, sprinkle in the cayenne pepper and continue to cook. Here’s where patience pays off. Let the mixture boil without stirring until it reaches 300°F. A candy thermometer is your best friend here, as this is the hard crack stage essential for the brittle texture.
Once you hit that golden 300°F, remove the saucepan from the heat quickly but safely. Stir in the peanuts, butter, and vanilla extract. The butter will melt and the vanilla will sizzle a bit—don’t worry, that’s normal! Now for the exciting part: add the baking soda and stir until the mixture gets foamy and light. This is what makes the brittle airy.
Without wasting time, pour the foamy mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, working quickly before it starts to harden. Allow the brittle to cool completely, which should take about 30 minutes. Once cooled, break it into pieces with your hands and enjoy!
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