Microwave Candies

PEANUT BRITTLE:

Yield: About 1 pound

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 cup salted dry-roasted peanuts

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon sea salt, optional

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Grease a 15-inch x 10-inch baking sheet with 1 tablespoon butter; save the rest to use later. Place baking sheet in oven to keep warm while making the brittle. Turn off oven. A warm baking sheet will help the brittle to spread faster in the pan.

2. In a 2 quart glass measuring cup with straight sides, combine granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Microwave uncovered, at 700 watts power level for 8 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes with a wooden spoon. Remove from microwave; stir in remaining 1 teaspoon butter and peanuts. Microwave uncovered, at 700 watts power level for 2 minutes.

3. Remove from microwave; stir in vanilla extract and baking soda. Quickly spread to 1/4-inch thickness into prepared pan. Sprinkle with sea salt. Let stand uncovered, at room temperature for 30 minutes. Break into pieces by slamming the pan down on your kitchen counter. Store the peanut brittle in a zipper-top plastic bag at room temperature for up to 1 week.