How are you handling the busy season? Do you feel energized by the festive buzz or swept up in a whirlwind? Excited or overwhelmed? Full of anticipation or ready to return to everyday life?
I swing between both. It’s easy to say yes to every invitation and idea because there are so many fun things to do: school parties, cookie exchanges, tree trimming, advent calendars, charity events, gingerbread houses, shopping and wrapping. But when I feel overwhelmed I ask myself, “Does all of this really matter? Is it necessary? What would a simplified Christmas look like?”
That question brings a little guilt. I want to preserve the traditions my mom began, try the new ideas I see online, and honor the things my boys mention from school. All are good, but together they can be too much.
When I remember how wonderful my childhood Christmases felt, I also realize my mom must have been exhausted behind the scenes. I remember my parents wrapping presents late at night, but I don’t remember my mom looking tired on Christmas morning. She did the work so it felt perfect for me.
To keep things simpler this year, I’m sharing my mom’s peanut brittle—made in the microwave in about ten minutes. It’s straightforward and a little nostalgic. One tip: measure and arrange all ingredients before you begin so the process is smooth. These make thoughtful gifts for teachers or neighbors if you’re checking off a holiday to-do list.
I’m learning to sort through all the “good” things and pick the ones that matter most to our family. We’ve chosen to skip mailing Christmas cards this year and we don’t do the Elf on the Shelf. Those are fine traditions, they just aren’t for us right now. Instead we try to sit together each night, light a candle, and read stories that focus on the real reason for the season. I don’t want fun, but insignificant, activities to crowd out what’s significant. I want our Christmas to be meaningful as well as magical for our kids.
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How To Make Peanut Brittle in the Microwave
5 from 2 reviews
- Author: Julie
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Description
My mom’s peanut brittle recipe—made in the microwave in less than ten minutes. Easy, nostalgic, and perfect for holiday gifts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup raw peanuts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Pour sugar and corn syrup into a microwavable 1 1/2‑quart casserole dish. Mix and microwave on high for 3 minutes.
- Stir in peanuts and salt, then microwave for 3 more minutes.
- Add butter and vanilla, stir well, and microwave for 2 more minutes.
- Carefully remove the pan and quickly stir in the baking soda.
- Pour onto a Silpat-lined or greased baking sheet. Let cool about 30 minutes, then break into bite-sized pieces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Piece
- Calories: 89
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 103mg
- Fat: 3.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.6g
- Cholesterol: 0.4mg