Peanut Brittle

My dad is a huge peanut brittle fan, and this is his favorite.
(Or maybe he just says so to humor me.:)

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. water
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. water
1 c. light corn syrup
3 Tbsp. stick margarine or butter
1 lb. shelled unroasted peanuts

1. Heat oven to 200*. Grease 2 cookie sheets and keep warm in oven. (They need to be warm so the candy doesn't set before you can spread it.) Grease long metal spatula with margarine; set aside.

2. Mix baking soda, 1 tsp. water and the vanilla; set aside. Mix sugar, 1 c. water and the corn syrup in 3-qt saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to 240* on candy thermometer.

3. Stir in margarine and peanuts. Cook, stirring constantly, to 300*. (watch it carefully so it doesn't burn.) Immediately remove from heat. Quickly stir in baking soda mixture until light and foamy. (sounds stressful, huh??:)

4. Pour 1/2 of the candy mixture on each cookie sheet and quickly spread with buttered spatula about 1/4 inch thick. Cool completely, at least an hour. Break into pieces. Store in covered container.

Makes 6 doz. candies