Submitted by Ursilla Stoltz
Is there anyone in Elgin that belonged to the Presbyterian church at one time? There was one years ago that made peanut brittle around Christmas time once a week and sold it to make money for their church.
My neighbor — Perc & Katie Watkins who lived on the farm that Gary Hoefer lives on now, belonged to that church along with Kenny Bergstrom and others.
This was very good peanut brittle and we always bought some from the church. Knowing Phil and many of you did around Elgin, wanted this recipe from our neighbors – the Watkins. But to no avail. But I think Phil pestered them so much for the recipe that they finally gave in but nobody was to get this recipe.
This belonged to the church and only their church. Here is the recipe:
Presbyterian Church
Peanut Brittle
2 cups sugar
1 cup white syrup
1/2 cup water
1 Tablespoon salt
2 cups salted Spanish peanuts
Put first four ingredients in pan, stir a little but not constantly and when syrup turns to a golden brown in about 15 minutes add 2 cups salted Spanish peanuts. Stir one minute, then add two teaspoons soda.
Stir another minute. If mixture has a tendency to turn darker than a light tan, turn down heat or lift from burner during last minute.
This part the determines the flavor of the candy. If it gets too brown the candy will have a soda flavor. Put on buttered cookie sheet.
I tilt my two cookie sheets on top a stack of books and let the candy spread out by itself. You never try to spread it because this will take the bubbles out. This should come out like a honey comb – crisp but crunchy.
