Red Peanut Patties

Peanuts are a very large crop in Texas. Goodart makes the original peanut patty which is sold in cafes and gas stations throughout Texas.

3 cups granulated sugar
3 cups raw peanuts
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Few drops red food coloring

Lay a large piece of wax paper on a dishtowel on a counter.

In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, peanuts, corn syrup and water. Cook the mixture to soft ball stage (240 degrees F), stirring constantly over medium heat. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the remaining ingredients, adding enough food coloring to get a very bright red shade. Stir the mixture frequently for approximately 20 minutes, or until it cools to about 125 degrees F. The mixture will become very thick and creamy opaque, and the peanuts will be suspended.

Immediately spoon the mixture into large patties on the sheet of wax paper. Let the patties sit for at least 1 hour before eating them. Their texture should be chewy like nougat. Wrap them in plastic wrap for storage. They will keep for about 1 week.