2 c. raw or roasted peanuts
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. white Karo syrup
1 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda

Stir together peanuts, sugar, and syrup; microwave 4 minutes on high. Be sure to use a large GLASS bowl with a lid. Cook 4 more minutes. Add the butter and vanilla; cook one minute on high. Stir in the soda; mix well. The mixture will be very foamy. Pour into a large well buttered platter. I like to have someone to help hold the very hot bowl so I can scrape it out without getting burned. Set timer for 15 minutes. It is then ready to cut into squares or broken into pieces. GOOD!!

Don't discard the rind of lemons, grapefruit, or oranges. They make excellent flavorings for muffins, cakes, and frosting. Grate the rinds, and store in the freezer.

Always use unsalted butter for baking. It will make all of your baked goods taste much more professional.

Shake nuts, raisins, currants, and other dried fruits with flour before you add them to cake batter and puddings. They won't sink to the bottom of the pan.