PINK PEANUT PATTIES

 

Remember when you used to get to go on a hunting, fishing or cross country trip with your Dad, Grand Dad or Uncles and they would stop to get gas at one of the little country gas stations.  My bunch always brought us kids a soda water of some sort such as an RC, Big Red, Buck Grape or the sort and would pitch a Pink Peanut Patty or two into the seat for us to share. There used to be all sorts and brands  of those pink candy patties in almost every gas station or country store, these days I rarely see them.  Once in a while when I find them I grab one or two even though I am not supposed to eat sugar anymore.  They keep for a long time and can withstand heat in the truck, camp or boat.  They have a unique flavor and always bring back good memories for me.  I ran across this recipe and thought you might like to make them for yourself or the kids.  These aren’t perfect as I didn’t use a thermometer and I may have beat them a little too long, but they taste pretty dang good and brought back some good memories.  Get out and make some memories of your own.  Wild Ed

 

Homemade Pink Peanut Patties

2 1/2 cups white sugar  

2/3 cup light corn syrup  

1 cup evaporated milk  

1 tablespoon butter  

3 cups peanuts, canned or raw your choice

I used canned mixed nut because that was all I had and they worked just fine.  I bet pecans would be good also.

1 tablespoon vanilla extract  

1 dash red food coloring (optional) If you don't eat the stuff.  I have already had enough to kill a horse so a little more won't matter.

 Directions

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, and peanuts if using raw peanuts. Bring to a slow boil, and stir to blend once heated. Let boil until the mixture reaches a temperature of between 240and 250 degrees F, or until a drop off of the stirring spoon dropped into cold water forms a ball that flattens somewhat when it hits the bottom of the glass. This may take up to an hour. If you are using canned nuts add them when the drop starts forming a loose ball so they can cook in the mixture for just a little while.

Stir in the butter, vanilla and food coloring into the candy mixture once the mixture has reached the proper temperature.  Beat until mixture starts to set. Spoon out onto buttered waxed paper or parchment paper to form patties.  Cool until set.

I am sure this is not the original recipe but it is close enough to pass the grandkid inspection and taste test.