Easy Nut Brittle

BY GIFTS FROM THE KITCHEN (foodchannel.com)
(makes about 1lbs/450g)
1tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
1cup sugar
1/2cup light corn syrup
1 1/2cups roasted, salted peanuts
1tsp vanilla extract
1tsp baking soda

Directions:

1. Grease a large baking tray & a wide spatula & set aside.
2. Combine the sugar & corn syrup in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Microwave on high for 4min.

3. Remove from the microwave, stir in the remaining butter & the peanuts, return to the microwave & heat on high for another 3-5min. (The mixture should be come think and bubbly and turn a golden pale brown color.)

4. Remove from the microwave carefully (it will be very hot).

5. When completely cooled & hardened, break into pieces.

*Note: If not using a microwave, combine the sugar, corn syrup, & peanuts in heavy saucepan & stir over a medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to high and boil for about 20 min until a candy thermometer registers 295F, stirring frequently.

http://www.foodchannel.com/recipes/1642-easy-nut-brittle

Cheesy Popcorn

FROM MICHELLE EDELBAUM @ EATING WELL MAGAZINE (shine.yahoo.com/channel/food)
(makes 4 -1 cup servings)
4 cups hot air-popped popcorn
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Cayenne pepper to taste
Directions:
1.Toss popcorn w/parmesan & cayenne to taste.

NUTRITION INFORMATION:
Per serving: 75 calories
3 g fat (2 g sat, 1 g mono)
9 mg cholesterol
7 g carbohydrate
5 g protein
1 g fiber
154 mg sodium
43 mg potassium

Quick Dark Chocolate Pistachio Bark

FROM OLD SOUTH BEACH DIET EMAILS
(40pieces)
12 squares semisweet chocolate
1cup pistachio nuts, shelled and toasted
Directions:
1. Microwave the chocolate in a bowl on high for 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute. Stir until completely melted.
2. Stir the nuts into the chocolate.
3.Spoon the chocolate and nut mixture onto a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Refrigerate for 1 hour until firm. Break into bite-size pieces.

150 calories
10 g total fat (4 g saturated fat)
0 mg cholesterol
16 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
2 g fiber
0 mg sodium