Microwaved Nutty Brittle

Here is a simple and easy recipe to make some great treats for your friends! Please remember when working with any candy that it is VERY hot in it's liquid form. If you spill it on your skin it will burn very quickly and bad. (I still have a scar on my thumb from pouring it out of a bowl when I was a teen)

1 1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup LIGHT Corn Syrup (not light as in better for you, light in color)
1/2 Teaspoon Salt (may be omitted if using salted nuts)
2 Tablespoons Butter
1 1/2 Cups Nuts of Choice (peanut, pecan, cashews, pistacios, or a mixed blend)
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda

Grab a large jelly roll pan or baking sheet with a rim going all around it and spray well with non stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Combine the Sugar, Corn Syrup and Salt (optional) in a 2 quart Microwave Safe Measuring cup that has a pouring lip and handle. Stir well until all of the sugar is moistened by the syrup. Place in the microwave oven and microwave uncovered on high for 4 minutes.

Remove from the microwave (using the handle) and add the butter and nuts. Stir using a wooden spoon to blend the ingredients just a bit and return to the microwave. Microwave on high heat uncovered for 5 more minutes. Remove from the microwave (using the handle). The syrup will be hot and bubbling. The sugar will also have changed color from clear to a light brown.

Using the wooden spoon stir in the vanilla and the baking soda. Upon adding the soda, the mixture will change color a bit again and will foam up. This is normal, but be careful as it is still very hot and can burn.

Once the ingredients have all been mixed in, carefully pour onto the baking sheet, you can use your wooden spoon to gently scrape the sides once most of the brittle is out of the bowl. Using the wooden spoon spread the mixture evenly across the pan.

Now just set the pan aside for about an hour to let the brittle harden. While the brittle is setting up, place your bowl and spoon into the sink and fill with hot water and a bit of soap to start cleaning it off. It is best to clean it off immediately instead of waiting for it to cool off and harden.

After about an hour gently start breaking the brittle apart by hand. Try not to break in into too small of pieces. Store in an air tight container and gift or eat within a week.