Christmas 1987, when we lived in San Diego in a little community north of Miramar Naval Air Station, we had this fabulous neighbor family with a teenage boy and a tweenage girl who adored my boys (they were like live dolls to them, I think). I adored these kids as well. That year, Heather, who was about 12, I think, gave me a gift that I remember every single Christmas. It was a little box that contained homemade Peanut Brittle that she’d made herself with the recipe attached to the ribbon. It was just one of those presents that touch your heart.

Ever since, I make this Peanut Brittle every Christmas and I think about Heather and her family. We’ve all lost touch, but out there somewhere is a beautiful young Canadian girl in her early 30’s from San Diego that I think about every Christmas when I make her Peanut Brittle.

I wanted to share it with you. . . in honor of my old, but not forgotten friends, Heather, her brother, Big Chris, and her parents, Pat and Rick. Here is what you need:

HEATHER’S MICROWAVE PEANUT BRITTLE

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 1/2 cup salted peanuts
1 tsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda

1.) In a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish, mix sugar and corn syrup. Microwave on high for 4 minutes.
2.) Stir in peanuts. Microwave on high for 3 minutes 45 seconds.
3.) Add butter and vanilla. Microwave on high for 1 minute 45 seconds.
4.) Add baking soda and stir until foamy.
5.) Quickly spread on a well buttered (or Pam) cookie sheet. Cool and break.

This is what you get. It’s quick. It’s easy. And it’s GOOD. So if you have less than 15 minutes to throw something together for a holiday gathering, a potluck, a dessert tray, or if you just have a hankering for some peanut brittle. . . this is the recipe with you.

Thank you Martin Family! Merry Christmas!