Making candy can be fun for families.
Making peanut brittle involves only a few basic kitchen tools whether you're going by an heirloom recipe or a new one found in a cookbook. The key to this confection is the peanut. Peanuts are available in a number of varieties, such as Valencia, Runner, Virginia and Spanish peanuts.
Measuring Tools
The simple ingredients used to make the hard candy for peanut brittle are sugar, corn syrup, peanuts, butter and baking soda. Measuring tools for these are teaspoons, tablespoons and measuring cups.
Thermometer
Making peanut brittle requires a tool to monitor the temperature of the sugar as it reacts to heat on the stovetop. With peanut brittle, a candy thermometer is used to monitor the heated mixture.
Cooking Equipment
A heavy-duty saucepan is best for making peanut brittle. First, the ingredients are combined in the pan, which is then placed on a heat source until everything melts together. At this point, the peanuts are added.
Spoons
To stir the ingredients as they melt, a sturdy mixing tool is required for making peanut brittle. One such mixing tool is a long-handled wooden spoon. A rubber spatula works as well.
Bowl
Butter and baking soda are combined then added to the cooked ingredients. A small mixing bowl is used to combine these ingredients separately from the other ingredients.
Work Surface
The tool used to cool the peanut brittle is a smooth, flat surface that has been buttered. A marble slab is ideal as a cooling surface where the cooked mixture can be shaped.
Shaping
After pouring the hot mixture onto the cooling surface, it is worked with buttered hands to pull the candy out into a flat sheet. Rubber gloves also can be used to protect your hands from burns. A pair of kitchen scissors can be used to break the candy into pieces after it cools.
Storage
The finished peanut brittle can be wrapped for gift giving or placed in a sealed container for later use.
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