PEANUT BRITTLE

Steps:

• 1. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick mat, or spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.
• 2. Combine the sugar, water, tapioca syrup, and salt in a small, heavy nonreactive saucepan and attach a candy thermometer. Put the pan over medium heat and cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 280°F, also known as the "soft crack" stage, 20 to 25 minutes.
• TIP : Don't walk away from the pan, especially once it reaches around 250°F, when the mixture becomes more likely to burn.
• 3. Remove the thermometer. Stir in the peanuts and continue to stir frequently as the peanuts toast and the syrup browns. When the peanuts are toasted and a golden color and the syrup is a mahogany brown (about 5 minutes longer), remove from the heat. Carefully stir in the baking soda and, once the mixture is blended, stir in the butter.
• 4. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and use a heatproof spatula to spread the peanuts in a single even layer about 1/4 inch thick. (Work quickly before the brittle hardens, but be careful-it's extremely hot!)
• 5. Let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. If the top of the brittle looks or feels a little greasy, just blot it with a paper towel. Once cool, break into chunks or chop into 1/8- to 1/4-inch pieces and store in an airtight container.