Farmhouse Kitchen, March 2025
Recipes for sweet, peanut-packed treats abound in Elaine Helms’ Geneva County kitchen.
Her affinity for stirring up Crock-Pot candy, sugared peanuts or peanut brittle is especially fitting considering her husband, Jimmy, grows the delicious, nutritious peanut in Slocomb. The Helms family also grows cotton, corn, hay and oats on land Jimmy’s great-grandfather settled in 1893.
Tell us about your family.
Jimmy and I married in January 1966 and have lived on Helms Hill these 59 years. We have two sons, Loren (1968-2017) and Wade. We have one granddaughter, two grandsons and four great-grandchildren. We are thankful! God’s blessings abound. We all enjoy gathering in our home for food and fun together.
Did you have an off-farm career?
I worked as a legal secretary for four years, then as support personnel at the local school for 34 years. After I retired, I worked almost 12 years as a church secretary. Now, I am busy being “The Cook and Homemaker.” I also volunteer with church, civic events and farm-related groups like the Geneva County Women’s Leadership Committee. Jimmy serves on the Geneva County Farmers Federation and Alabama Peanut Producers Association boards. These groups represent the heart and soul of Alabama agriculture and support fundamental rights and needs of our farmers.
Why do you spend time in the kitchen?
I began learning in the kitchen when I was very young. My mother and grandmother were great cooks, so I must have inherited some of their genes. I don’t just cook. I want what I serve to be tasty, nutritious and enjoyed by everyone.
March is National Peanut Month. What role do peanuts play in your life?
We not only enjoy growing peanuts; they’re a popular choice for our family in many ways! Boiled, roasted, fried, in cakes, candy and in homemade ice cream, to name a few.
What’s the secret to perfect peanut brittle?
- Make it on a bright, sunny day.
- Peanuts must be room temperature.
- Follow directions carefully. Practice makes perfect!
- The syrup is very hot and will continue to cook after off the heat. As it does, the light tan color will become a true caramel.
I learned to make peanut brittle in home economics class in high school. My teacher stretched the brittle when we made it, so I continue to stretch mine.