Pecan Brittle

1 . Stage

Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat. Mix together baking soda, 1 teaspoon water, and vanilla in a small bowl; set aside.

2 . Stage

Mix together sugar, 1 cup water, and corn syrup in a 3-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches 240 degrees F (115 degrees C) on a candy thermometer, or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from water and placed on a flat surface, about 25 minutes.

3 . Stage

Stir in pecans and butter. Heat to 300 degrees F (149 degrees C) or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms hard, brittle threads, about 13 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat and stir in reserved baking soda mixture, until candy is light and foamy.

4 . Stage

Pour mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and allow to cool until hardened, 1 to 2 hours. Break into pieces.