Jelly Bean Brittle

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 10 min. Cook: 20 min. + cooling

MAKES: 20 servings

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2-1/2 cups miniature jelly beans
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda

Directions

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Cube remaining butter and set aside. Line two 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. pans with foil; brush with melted butter. Arrange jelly beans evenly in pans.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer reads 240° (soft-ball stage). Stir in cubed butter and salt. Cook and stir until mixture reaches 300° (hard-crack stage). Stir in baking soda (mixture will foam). Quickly pour over jelly beans. Spread with a buttered metal spatula. Cool; break into pieces. Yield: 2-1/2 pounds.

Editor's Note: We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.