Homemade Peanut Brittle

Recipe by Bonnie Nolen of Bon Bon's Candy House.

Ingredients
1½ cups sugar
¾ cup light corn syrup
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons butter
1½ cups roasted, salted peanuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda

To Prepare
Combine sugar, light corn syrup and water in a large pot (copper works best for candy making). Be sure the pot is large, because the mixture grows at the end when baking soda is added. Cook on medium high heat, stirring constantly to help prevent burning on the insides of the pot. Heat to 260°F, then add butter. Heat back up to 260°F, then add peanuts. Wash down the inside of the pot with a heat-proof brush and a little water. At 290°F, remove pot from burner. Add vanilla extract and baking soda, and stir until mixed. Pour onto cookie sheets greased with cooking spray. Spread mixture into a flat layer, and try to distribute peanuts throughout the mixture using a metal spatula. Let cool completely, then break into pieces and enjoy.