Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1.5 cups raw peanuts
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda

Instructions:

  1. Prep the landing zone. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and rub it generously with butter.
  2. Combine the base. Mix 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup corn syrup, and 1/8 tsp salt in your glass bowl. Stir until it looks like wet sand.
  3. Initial melt. Microwave on high for 4 minutes. Watch for a vigorous, clear bubble.
  4. Incorporate the nuts. Stir in 1.5 cups raw peanuts using a heat proof spatula.
  5. The toasting phase. Microwave for another 3 to 5 minutes. Stop when you smell toasted nuts and the syrup turns a pale hay color.
  6. Add the fat. Stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Expect a loud sizzle as the moisture evaporates.
  7. The final blast. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes more. The mixture should now be a rich, dark amber.
  8. The chemical surge. Remove the bowl and immediately stir in 1 tsp baking soda. Watch as the mixture doubles in volume and becomes opaque and frothy.
  9. Spread the wealth. Pour the foaming mixture onto your prepared tray. Use the spatula to pull it thin, but don't press down or you'll pop the air bubbles.
  10. Set and snap. Let it cool completely for at least 30 minutes until it feels like cold glass. Break into irregular shards.