memories, like the peanut brittle I used to love
December 16, 2009 | Just thinking out loud
Why is it that that Christmas evokes such strong memories wrapped around food? When I was a teen I went to a small church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At that time home was hard, and church truly was a sanctuary. I hung out with friends on Friday or Saturday night. I loved youth group and activities, doing silly things like toilet papering my friends’ yards, but also spent serious time in the altar talking to God.
Small things meant a lot. Spending time at a church member’s house and watching godly fathers and mothers interact. Playing games at their tables, eating popcorn.
But there was another tradition I fell in love with at that small church.
Every Christmas the ladies congregated in the small kitchen and poured out huge hot pans of caramel-colored liquid dotted with hundreds of raw peanuts. It was the most light peanut brittle I had ever eaten then–or since.
It literally crisped when you bit into it, and melted on your tongue.
They sold it in white square boxes and I treasured my box! I can still smell the slightly peanuty odor that came from the kitchen.
I’ve tried to find that recipe, but with no luck! I’m hoping that one of you have a great peanut brittle recipe I can try.
What about other favorite recipes? What one candy, entree, side dish evokes memories of Christmas for you? I’d love it if you would share it!
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Every year for the last, I don’t know, 10 years; my dad makes a pecan pie. Actually he makes two. However, the last 3 years his pies have come out runny in the middle. I’m not sure why. but that is my favorite holiday treat and memory. Jennifer
December 16th, 2009 at 10:26 pmPa Webb made awesome peanut brittle, I’m wanting to go make some with Ma. I’ve never seen any other PB that was as light as his.
December 17th, 2009 at 12:16 amAustin, I want that recipe!
December 18th, 2009 at 2:45 pmI have wonderful memories of making peanut brittle with my mom from a family recipe. I’m happy to share it with you and thanks for reminding me of how yummy it is!! Guess what we are making this week? :0) You need to have a foil oven liner (It’s a huge heavy foil square sheet) and it needs to be heavily buttered. In a pan mix 2 cups sugar, 2/3 cup white Karo, 1/3 cup water. Boil to “soft ball” (candy thermometer 240). Add 1 and 1/2 cup un-roasted Spanish peanuts (or your choice) and 1 tsp. salt. Cook until amber color, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1 tsp. baking soda and stir fast and hard (it will raise and froth up). After it raises, beat down again. Pour onto buttered pan when brittle stops foaming. Butter all your fingers heavily so you can begin pulling brittle while a partner cuts it with kitchen scissors. You can pull and cut to whatever thickness you like. We always like to pull ours really thin!! Enjoy. Merry Christmas.
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:56 am