Troy Warren for CNT #Celebrations
NATIONAL PEANUT BRITTLE DAY
National Peanut Brittle Day on January 26th recognizes a hard, flat candy confection enjoyed worldwide. The candy’s buttery, nutty texture makes for a delicious treat and can be made at home.
Peanut Brittle includes caramelized sugar or corn syrup. Nuts are added to the molten sugar and then poured onto a flat surface such as granite or marble and smoothed into a thin sheet. The candy cools into a hard, brittle treat broken into smaller pieces. Some of the best brittles are hand-stretched into a thin, easily cracked candy that melts in the mouth.
The history of peanut brittle is uncertain, though one legend says it was all a mistake. The story goes that a southern woman was making taffy, and instead of using cream of tartar, she used baking soda by accident.
HOW TO OBSERVE #PeanutBrittleDay
Make up a batch of peanut brittle to share with that person you just know loves it. Since the candy keeps well, give it as a gift. You might also teach someone to make your favorite recipe, passing on the tradition.
Use #PeanutBrittleDay to post on social media.
Peanut Brittle FAQ
Q. Can I freeze peanut brittle?
A. Yes. Peanut brittle can last at least three months when stored in the freezer in a freezer-safe container.
Q. What makes peanut brittle brittle?
A. The sugar for peanut brittle is cooked to 300°F, called the hard crack stage. This makes the candy hard, with a snap to it. Stretching the sugar once it cools to a malleable temperature gives the brittle a delicate, brittle texture.