Candied Peanuts (Caramelized Peanuts) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups raw peanuts, with skin
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 pinch salt (optional, but I will add more then a pinch for that sweet or salty combo)

Preparation

Combine the sugar and water in a skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a syrup.
Add the peanuts and continue stirring for about 10 minutes, or until the liquids evaporate and a sandy-textured sugar mixture coats the peanuts.
Lower the heat and continue stirring as the excess sugar in the pan begins to melt. This will take another several minutes. Once the syrup begins to form, it will turn from clear to golden to amber. Stir constantly, and be careful that the heat is not so high as to burn or darken the syrup too much.
When the syrup is a medium amber color and the sugary coating on the peanuts has glazed, add the salt if using and turn the peanuts out into your prepared pan. Spread the candied peanuts into a single layer to cool.
Be sure the caramelized peanuts are completely cool before storing in an airtight container.