Thursday, December 19, 2013

Winter Holidays...Santa Claus...Dixie Peanut Brittle!


Just thought I'd share a little of our "beginning of Winter Holidays" in our magical place that we live.  I'm a big fan of being outdoors, so when the weather gets too cold...too rainy...too cold & breezy, I tend to spend too much time indoors.  Especially when Winter Solstice is coming and we're about to experience the "Longest Night"!  No matter how early I get up...there is never enuff time to take care of all of the children.  You know, the furry, hairy, feathery, muddy, hungry, wet, cold ones.  I spend too much time inside because it is dark outside...so I try to make it as comfortable as I can.  I've decorated the living room with Christmas collections and handmade items.  I love vintage & antique & I'm always crafting some art thing too.



Just for a little clarification....the baby on the left may be the only photo you ever see of me...I was much cuter then and prefer to remain that way.  The people on the right are my mom and her husband ( I called him Papa...my Daddy died when I was young and Mama remarried after I grew up and moved away from home).  That photo is also from quite a few years ago.


This next photo I have titled:
              "The Stockings Were Hung By The Chimney With Care"
                


  They didn't get all dry hanging outside with the rest of the laundry and it was the best place to make sure that I had dry socks in the morning!!!

So...You're saying OK...we've covered Winter Holidays, Santa Claus, but Hey!!! What about the Dixie Peanut Brittle?

I'll just grab a piece and munch on it while I give you the recipe!  I wish Y'all could come and visit and we could make it together...what a good time we could have.  For now this will have to do...Here Goes...

You will need:

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
4 cups raw peanuts with the skins on
2 Tblsp butter
2 tsp baking soda

Lightly butter a cookie sheet:


Heat sugar, syrup & water in a large saucepan to a rolling boil. 
Add peanuts and reduce heat to medium, medium low and stir.

And Stir...and stir.  You don't have to keep a constant stir on...but don't leave it alone for too long at a time.  It's going to take from 1 hour to 1 hour & 15 minutes to reach it's high temp of 290 degrees... so have a beer, cup of tea...and stir every so often.


As it cooks and you stir...you'll notice that it is getting thicker and darker and smelling cooked and brown.  Have patience until you reach 290 degrees.
When your candy has cooked enuff...turn off the burner and take the pot off the heat.
Add your butter and then the baking soda and beat with the wooden spoon!



Pour as best you can...it will be thick as it cools...onto the cookie sheet and try to spread it evenly.  Be careful!!! the cookie sheet will get hot!!



Cool until brittle and cold...break into pieces...give some to your postal delivery person... put a little out, out of the dog & cat reaches...and hide the rest to be doled out!



Enjoy...enjoy...enjoy!!!

Merry Christmas!!
Diane




2 comments:

  1. Merry Christmas my friend ;o) I love your decorations ;o) That picture of you is so cute! I love it! That peanut brittle looks so good!! Yes, I will grab a beer when making it! LOL! Big Hugs ;o)

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  2. Hi Diane. I love your blog post as usual. Your Christmas tree is so pretty. I can so relate to drying the socks by the wood stove. You were a beautiful baby. Sure would like to see a picture of you now. The style of the clothing and all reminds me of a picture I have when I was about that same age. You have a beautiful smile. The peanut brittle looks yummy. Merry Christmas Diane! Blessings!

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