The Lions of Abilene Texas

Submitted by Tressie Upshaw

• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup white corn syrup, such as Karo
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 3 cups raw peanuts
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 4 tsp. margarine or butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 or 3 drops red food color (optional)

In heavy saucepan, cook granulated sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, and peanuts. Cook to soft ball stage, 235 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, margarine, powdered sugar, and food color. Beat until mixture turns opaque and begins to thicken. Pour onto buttered rimmed pan or large platter. This may take quite a lot of beating. In order not to wreck the peanuts, put only one beater into your hand mixer and beat away.

These are a million times better than “store-bought” patties.