Peanut Butter Candy

I know that this blog is dedicated to canning, but we all like a little sweets every now and then, so I thought I would make some good home made peanut butter candy. 

 

Ingredients

4 cups of sugar

1 12oz can of evaporated milk (I use carnation)

1 18oz jar of peanut butter (I use Jif)

a pat of butter (not margarine)

1 tbsp of pure vanilla extract

 

In a large heavy bottom stainless steele pot or a cast iron skillet ( I have always used a cast iron skillet when making candy until just recently I decided to try my heavy pot) combine the sugar, butter and cream.

 

 

Stir well and bring to a boil over med/high heat.  Reduce heat and boil steadily while stirring for 5 minutes.  You can have a small bowl of very cold water and test your candy after 5 minute by putting a spoonful in the water.  If it forms a soft ball it is ready. 

 

 

I have found that 5 minutes is almost the perfect timing if it is kept boiling good and stirred well. 

 

Remove from heat and add 1 tbsp of pure vanilla extract and the whole jar of peanut butter.  Stir well.

 

You will notice that the candy has a glossy shine.  Stir vigorously until some of the shine goes away and the candy starts to thicken.  You can tell it is ready when it starts sticking to the sides of the pot like in this picture.

 

When it looks like this it is ready to pour into a 9x13 inch pan.  Make sure you have your pan ready by taking a little butter and rubbing it all over the inside of the pan.  Pour you candy in the pan.  If you like it thinner, then you can use a larger cookie sheet or even plates.

 

 

Cool, Cut into squares and store in a covered container lined with wax paper in the refrigerator.

 

My family loves Peanut Butter Candy, I hope your's does as well. 

 

Variations: If you like Peanut Butter Fudge you can add 1/2 cup of Hershey's Cocoa to the sugar, cream and butter before starting the cooking. 

When I do Fudge I like to also add 1 cup of black walnut kernals and stir them in just before pouring it into the pan to cool.