Microwave Peanut Brittle

From Nana

1 cup raw peanuts
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/8 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

*In a 2 quart glass mixing bowl, mix peanuts, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook on high (in microwave) for 3-1/2 minutes. Stir well, then cook another 3-1/2 minutes. Add butter and stir well. Return to microwave for 2 minutes.
*Quickly remove from microwave and stir in baking soda and vanilla; mix well. Pour onto a greased cookie sheet (or pizza pan). Spread out evenly and let cool/harden. Break into pieces with knife.

**Variation: if making pecan brittle, only cook for 5 minutes (instead of 7) before adding butter.

English Toffee

From Debi A.

English Toffee

1 lb. Butter (don't skimp, use the real stuff)
2-1/2 cups sugar
4 Tbsp. light corn syrup
1 cup water
1/2 lb. nuts
1/2 - 1 Lb. Chocolate
-or-
4 Hershey Bars


Cook first 4 ingredients together in a lg saucepan stirring constantly until candy thermometer reads 285 degrees. Pour hot liquid onto a jellyroll pan, spread with a spatula.

Melt chocolate in microwave, pour over toffee in pan, and spread with a spatula. Sprinkle evenly with nuts. Cool. Break into pieces by inserting a strong knife.