Can I make peanut brittle without a candy thermometer?
sure, microwave it! FAST AND EASY MICROWAVE PEANUT BRITTLE 1 c. granulated sugar 1/2 c. light corn syrup 2 tbsp. water 1/8 tsp. salt 1 1/4 c. Spanish peanuts 1 tbsp. butter 1 tsp. baking soda In a 2 1/2 quart, microwave-safe mixing bowl combine sugar, corn syrup, water and salt; stir well. Cook uncovered on high (100%) for 5 minutes. Stir in peanuts and cook uncovered 3-5 minutes until syrup reaches the hard crack stage and is lightly golden in color. (The hard crack stage is achieved when a little candy syrup dropped into ice water separates into hard, brittle threads.) Remove from the microwave oven; stir in butter and baking soda. Pour mixture onto an oiled baking sheet, spreading to a 1/4 inch thickness. When cool, break into pieces.