Texas Peanut Patties

Everyone has memory candies, these are mine. Growing up in Texas, these patties were sold at the corner store for about 25 cents I think and I've always loved them but every year they get harder to find. Occasionally I will find them traveling around Texas...in little ice houses or Mom & Pop stores and even a gas station here and there. We always get them in San Antonio at The Mi Tierra Bakery every time we are up there and until now that was the only for-sure place that has always had them.

I finally found a recipe that is so true to the original patty that I have to share. If you've ever had one you have to try to make these at home. You'll thank me later :)
2 1/2 c sugar
2/3 c light Karo syrup
1 c milk
2 1/2 c raw peanuts
4 tbsp butter
1 tbsp powdered sugar
4-5 drops of red food coloring

Place sugar, syrup, milk and peanuts in a heavy pot, stir them to mix everything together. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a low boil, continue cooking, uncovered for about 1 hour until it's at a soft ball stage (235-240º on your candy thermometer).
Set out wax paper on cookie sheets or counter.
When mix gets to the soft ball stage, remove pot from heat and add butter. Stir until completely melted. Slowly add your sifted powdered sugar  and food coloring. Stir until mix is combined and thickened. Now drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper. They should be pretty flat like a patty not a pile of nuts. I tried :) If the mix in pot starts to harden while you're working, put in back on burner to soften it a bit. You can make them whatever size but smaller than your palm is what I did.
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