Sugared peanuts

Mix white sugar and water together in a saucepan and bring to the boil over low heat. Stir continuously until the white sugar has dissolved. Add food colouring and salt and mix well. Add the peanuts and boil for about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally. Drop a teaspoonful of the syrup into a glass of cold water to test for the ‘hard crack stage’ (150 ºC or 300 ºF). If the syrup forms brittle threads, it’s ready. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the syrup coating the peanuts begins to crystallise. Spoon the peanuts onto a tray and cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Makes 500 g.