Peanut Patties

A candy that appeared regularly in my wife's home was her mother's homemade peanut patties.  They usually were found at Christmas time, and were considered a part of the season.  I hope yo enjoy this confection as much as we have over the years.

Instructions:


3 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 cup white syrup
Combine in saucepan and bring to boil over medium flame.
Add:
1 lb (3 1/4 cups) raw Spanish Peanuts
6 drops red food coloring (Don't use green food coloring.  My mother-in-law made a batch at Christmas a number of years ago.  She thought it would be festive.  They were pretty and green before they set, but afterward the green turned more grey.  It didn't affect the flavor but no one ate them.)
Cook until a small amount forms a hard ball in small amount of water (250 degrees on candy thermometer)
Remove from burner.
Add:
1/4 cup margarine
pinch salt
Beat until mixture begins to thicken.  As my mother-in-law puts it, "Stir until your arm falls off."
When it begins to pull away from the pan,  pour onto greased baking sheet or metal pie pans.
If you're too slow you end up with a giant patty in the pan.
Cool.

Cut or break candy into pieces.