Making Candy in the Microwave?

I always get people giving me funny looks when I say I make homemade candy. It's too much work! You have to have a stupid candy thermometer and a whole lot of patience! This past Christmas I did crockpot candy and tonight I share microwave candy, proving that you really can make homemade stuff without driving yourself crazy.

Cinnamon Peanut Brittle

Ingredients:

1 c. sugar            1/2 c. light corn syrup          2 c. salted peanuts        1 tsp. butter (no subs!)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon    1 tsp. baking soda          1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

1. In a 2 qt. microwave safe bowl, combine sugar and corn syrup.
2. Heat, uncovered, on high for 4 minutes and stir.
3. Heat 3 minutes longer.
4. Stir in peanuts, butter and cinnamon.
5. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 30-60 seconds or until mixture turns a light amber color.
6. Quickly stir in baking soda and vanilla until light and foamy.
7. Immediately pour onto a greased baking sheet and spread with a metal spatula.
8. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until firm.
9. Break into small pieces and store in an airtight container.

This is a sweet and crunchy candy, good for gift giving.  It's got a nice glossy appearance and is packed with peanuts but uniquely flavored from most peanut brittle because of the cinnamon.

As always, have fun!