Deluxe Peanut Brittle

2 cups sugar
1 cup white corn syrup
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups salted peanuts or cashews

Cook syrup, sugar and water in a heavy pan over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Cook and stir until mixture reaches 285 degrees f. Remove at once. Stir in nuts and butter. Cook and stir again, to 295 degrees f. Remove from heat and add vanilla and soda. Stir rapidly. Pour onto a well-greased cookie sheet, spreading evenly. Cool completely and then crack.