National Peanut Brittle Day (January 26)
Check out the weird holiday National Peanut Brittle Day on January 26. Learn the history of peanut brittle, & get ideas on how to celebrate.
One weird holiday on January 26 is National Peanut Brittle Day. Check out the other weird January holidays!
History of National Peanut Brittle Day
Peanut brittle traces back to the 1800s (or even before), but its origins are quite uncertain. The history of peanuts goes back to the American Civil War, when peanuts were used for their protein when meat was scarce.
Peanut Brittle is carmelized sugar or corn syrup with nuts tossed into the melted sugar, along with a bit of butter and baking soda. It is then poured onto a cookie sheet or other flat surface and smoothed thin. Once cooled, it becomes brittle and can be broken off into smaller pieces. They say it’s best to avoid making it on a rainy day.
Some people claim that it was a traditional Celtic dish that was served during the holidays. It was made by mixing peanut butter and sugar together, then baking it. Legend says that Irish settlers then made its way to the United States with Irish settlers.
Another origin story for peanut brittle is that a woman in New England in 1890 made it on accident. She was attempting to make a taffy, but she accidentally put in baking soda instead of cream of tarter. Not wishing to be wasteful, she continued making it and threw in a handful of peanuts just to see what would happen. She shared this peanut bark with her friends, along with the recipe, and it “went viral.”
A third story (that is clearly just folklore) is that Tony Beaver, supposed cousin of Paul Bunyan, saved a town from flooding by pouring molasses and peanuts into the river – thus creating peanut brittle!
No matter what the real reason is (and the first two could both be true), the term “peanut brittle” first appeared in 1892. The recipe has remained the same, only now most people use corn syrup instead of molasses.
Ideas for National Peanut Brittle Day
You can purchase some peanut brittle, or you can make some of your own with one of these recipes!
Classic Peanut Brittle
This old-fashioned stovetop Peanut Brittle recipe is the classic version! It doesn’t get more vintage than this, making it perfect for National Peanut Brittle Day.
Microwave Peanut Brittle
Microwave peanut brittle is an easy 15 minute candy recipe perfect for National Peanut Brittle Day!
Brazilian peanut brittle
Homemade peanut brittle (Brazilian-style) is similar to the American peanut brittle recipe, except it is nuttier and more buttery. The addition of baking soda helps to crack it nicely even when it is made in humid weather. Give it a try on National Peanut Brittle Day!
Jalapeno Beer Peanut Brittle Recipe
Jalapeno Beer Peanut Brittle - This is a fun take on traditional peanut brittle for you to enjoy this year on National Peanut Brittle Day! It has a nice warm heat - not overly spicy - & great flavour!
Traditional Vegan Peanut Brittle
This classic candy with a vegan twist is quick and easy to make and does not require refrigeration, making it perfect for gifting on National Peanut Brittle Day.
Pastelli (Honey Sesame Candy with Peanuts)
Pastelli, sometimes written “pasteli, with one l”, is one of the healthiest Greek sweets, made with honey and sesame seeds. It's a great healthy alternative to make on National Peanut Brittle Day.
Cranberry Pistachio Brittle
This Cranberry Pistachio Brittle is basically a National Peanut Brittle Day recipe that uses a unique flavored extract called fiori di sicilia that gives it a vanilla citrus flavor!
Nut Brittle Recipe (with Almonds & Peanuts)
The best homemade nut brittle recipe for National Peanut Brittle Day – perfectly sweet and crunchy, with chunks of nuts in each and every bite. While old-fashioned peanut brittle is typically made with only peanuts, this recipe adds almonds to the mix for a double dose of nutty goodness.
Ginger Pecan Brittle with Chocolate Drizzle
This ginger Pecan Brittle with chocolate drizzle is surprisingly simple to make! It's also a perfect edible gift on National Peanut Brittle Day or at any time of year. Try this easy brittle recipe - a twist on the peanut brittle classic.
Cayenne Toffee-Style Peanut Britlle Holiday Recipe
If you have ever asked, "How do you make peanut brittle?" on National Peanut Brittle Day, then this a recipe that you're going to want to read and then make.
Easy Peanut Brittle Without Corn Syrup Recipe
Whether you don’t like using corn syrup or live in an area where it just isn’t a thing (like myself), you can still make an excellent peanut brittle without it. Check out this recipe on National Peanut Brittle Day.
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