My mom was never much for cookies, but she could make candy with the best of them. I will never forget when she found out you could make peanut brittle in the microwave. Buttered cookie sheets all over the kitchen - on the table, counters, top of the stove - and the rush to get it all poured and spread before it hardened. I don't have her recipe any more, but (besides this thread), one of the food blogs I read had just published this and reminded me: From Framed (
http://framed-mylifeonepictureatatime.blogspot.com/ )
Mixed Nut Vanilla Brittle, adapted from Southern Living
* 2 cups sugar
* 1 cup light corn syrup
* 12 ounces lightly salted mixed nuts
* 2 tablespoons salted butter
* 1 tablespoon baking soda
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1. Line a large baking sheet with non-stick foil, and butter or spray with Pam.
2. Combine sugar and corn syrup in large microwave safe bowl, stir well and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 4 minutes. Carefully uncover and microwave for an additional 8 minutes.
3. Carefully stir in nuts and microwave for 1 more minute.
4. Working quickly, stir in butter, baking soda and vanilla. Quickly pour into foil-lined pan, spreading to edges with a spoon or spatula that is sprayed with Pam.
5. Cool in pan on countertop. Once fully hardened (about 30-60 minutes) break into pieces.