Christmas in the Kitchen

Around the world Paula Dean is probably the best known southern cook, thanks to the Food Network and little good timing. Well, I am here to tell you that in every small town there is a woman who is known for her great cooking- maybe not a famous as Paula Dean- but every bit as talented. I don't think I would even get much of an argument from the lady from Savannah.

We had quite a treat over the weekend. We had a cooking lesson from our very own Mrs. Margaret Brown. Over the years she has perfected the art of making peanut brittle. Lucky friends in Auburn cherish their gift of thin, crispy peanut brittle year after year.

I have her permission to reveal her secrets to my closest friends...

Start with raw spanish nuts, with the skins on. Use fresh baking soda, not the one that has been in the fridge absorbing odors. A good candy thermometer is a must! She uses a heavy duty cookie sheet, set on a moistened dish towel.

Follow the instructions, and it will be perfect every time.

Peanut Brittle

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup water

2 cups spanish peanuts

2 tsp baking soda

Spread butter and pam spray on a heavy duty cookie sheet. Set the cookie sheet on a wet towel to keep it from slipping. In a heavy pot, add sugar, syrup and water. Stir until it begins to bubble, scrapping the sugar toward the middle of the pan. When it is bubbly add peanuts. Continue to stir using a heat resistant spatula. Cook until it reaches 290° with a candy thermometer, about 15 minutes. Turn the heat down. Continue to stir away from the sides. Add baking soda. The mixture will foam up. Continue to stir until the color is light brown. Pour down the center of the pan.

Using rounded cake knives begin to spread from edges. Pull the candy until it is very thin. This makes the perfect thin crunchy peanut brittle.

Let cool,then box it up to share.

If you need to make more than one batch, and you probably will, take the time to do each batch separately. Don't try to double this recipe.

Y'all thank Ms Margaret for this one!

Sandi