Step #1 Preparations: Butter a cookie sheet;place this in warm oven to keep warm-to hot.
Step #2 Combine the baking soda & vanilla in a small c & set aside.
Step #3 (this keeps the soda from brown flaking in your syrup).
Step #4 Combine sugar,water & corn syrup in heavy saucepan.
Step #5 Bring mixture to full boil over high heat, stirring until mixture appears clear.
Step #6 Cook to hard crack stage- 290 degrees.
Step #7 (No thermometer? Fill a c with cold water & drip a drop of the syrup into water.
Step #8 Feel the drop at the bottom of the c -- if it's hard & brittle, it's ready!
Meanwhile, put the measured peanut butter & peanuts in a medium size bowl & microwave on defrost or half power to warm.
Step #9 When the syrup hits 290 remove this from heat & add vanilla,soda & the warmed peanut butter mixture.
Step #10 Combine & stir quickly.
Step #11 Working quickly, pour onto a very warm - hot buttered cookie sheet; spread with large spoons or forks.