Maple Brown Sugar Bourbon Brittle

The season for get-togethers and parties is here and it's always nice to have a small gift to bring along. How about some delicious homemade candy as a token of your appreciation? I came up with the this Maple Brown Sugar Bourbon Brittle to give as gifts for the holiday season. The brittle is crisp and sweet with the rich warm flavor combination of maple syrup, brown sugar and bourbon. The salted peanuts keep the nostalgia alive but the flavor is totally new and unique! This makes the perfect little gift or stocking stuffer, that is if you can keep yourself from eating it all first! Here is how you can make your own:

Maple Brown Sugar Bourbon Brittle
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup (or maple-flavored syrup)
1/2 cup bourbon
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup salted cocktail peanuts

Line a baking sheet with a silpat and set in a 200 degree heated oven.
In a medium saucepan combine both sugars, maple syrup and bourbon over medium heat.

Pic_1

Stir until sugar dissolves and the syrup comes to a boil. Using a candy thermometer or digital thermometer continue to boil without stirring until the temperature reaches 290-300 degrees.

Pic_2

Remove pan from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda, vanilla extract and salt. The mixture will foam up. Add the peanuts and mix quickly then spread the candy in the heated baking sheet using an oiled spatula. Try to get the candy spread as thinly as possible. Let the pan and the candy cool completely for about an hour then break into pieces for serving. Store in a covered container or ziplock bag.