Why baking soda in nut brittle?

1. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent.

- It reacts with acid to produce carbon dioxide, which creates the bubbles that make brittle light and airy.

2. Baking soda helps to neutralize the acidity of molasses.

- Molasses is a key ingredient in brittle, but it can be quite acidic. By adding baking soda in nut brittle, the acidity of the molasses is balanced out, resulting in a more mellow flavor.

3. Baking soda enhances the flavor of nuts.

- It helps bring out the natural flavor of the nuts in the brittle. Additionally, the baking soda helps create a more evenly roasted flavor in the nuts.

So, while baking soda is not essential to making nut brittle, it does play an important role in creating the perfect brittle texture, flavor, and color.