Microwave Nut Brittle

1 cup Sugar

½  cup Corn Syrup

¼ cup Water

1 ½  cups Salted Nuts (Spanish peanuts, Virginia peanuts, cashews, mixed nuts)

2 T Butter

1 tsp Vanilla

1 tsp Baking Soda

Directions: In large glass bowl or 8 cup Pyrex measuring cup, combine sugar, corn syrup and water.  Microwave on high for about 4 minutes, stirring and then returning to microwave for another 2 minutes.  Using candy thermometer, check temperature.  Continue microwaving in 1-2 minute increments until mixture reaches 250 degrees.  Add nuts, butter and vanilla.  Return to microwave and cook for another 2 minutes, stir and then monitor temperature every 1-1/2 minutes until candy reaches 300 degrees.  Add baking soda (mixture will foam up while stirring), mix just until combined and then pour onto parchment lined cookie sheet that has been kept in warm 250 degree oven.  Hold pan and edge of paper and tip to distribute candy as thin as possible.  Do not spread or you will lose all the air bubbles that make this “brittle.”  Let cool and break into pieces.  Dip pieces in chocolate if desired.  Keep in air tight container. 

This can also be done on the stovetop over medium high heat.