According to southern lore, peanut brittle originated by accident. Allegedly, a housewife was trying to make taffy, but added baking soda instead of cream of tartar. After realizing her innocent goof, she added some georgia peanuts and was quite delighted by the outcome. In the league of iconic southern candythe likes of bourbon balls, divinity, and pralineshomemade peanut brittle is now as much a year-round favorite as a holiday delicacy. Sugar is one of the most finicky ingredients in brittle recipes, making a candy thermometer more than just a helpful recommendation. (no one likes burnt or sticky, bendy brittle. ) when it comes to brittle, its important to keep on stirring until the deed is fully done and cooling on a baking sheet. This holiday season, if youre not indulging in a festive slice of warm homemade pie or classic layer cake, this old-fashioned peanut brittle recipe will gladly handle that sugar hankering.