Pour 1 cup water into a heavy nonreactive saucepan. Add 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 Tbsp. corn syrup, and ¼ tsp. cream of tartar. (The last two prevent the sugar from crystallizing.) Bring to a boil over high heat; continue to cook (you can swirl the pan occasionally, but do not stir!) until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches 230°F, a.k.a. “soft ball stage.” (Be patient and keep your eye on it. Don’t go walking away and watching TV or something.)
Meanwhile, combine 1 large egg plus 5 large egg yolks in the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment and turn mixer to high speed. Yolk mixture will triple in volume, turn pale yellow, and go to “ribbon stage.” (You can’t overwhip!)
When the sugar is ready, move quickly: Turn off the mixer and add ⅛ tsp. xanthan gum, turn back up to medium-low speed.
Remove thermometer from (very hot!) sugar mixture. Lift with two hands. Rest the lip of the saucepan on the edge of the mixer bowl. With the mixer running, pour the hot sugar syrup in a slow, steady stream down the side of the bowl into the egg mixture. (Don’t go too fast, which may result in chunks of scrambled eggs in your buttercream.)
Once sugar syrup is incorporated, turn the mixer to high speed and whip until cool. (Gauge this by putting the inside of your wrist to the outside bottom of the bowl. It’s more accurate than your hands.)
Switch out the whisk for the paddle attachment. Cut 6 sticks (1½ lb.) unsalted butter, cold, preferably European, into thin pieces (you could shave it with a cheese slicer if you’d like). Add butter to the egg yolk mixture piece by piece to make an emulsion.
Once butter is added, add the peanut butter and salt and mix on high to combine. Taste for seasoning. If desired, add more peanut butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, or a pinch more salt. Continue until, after tasting, your eyes roll into the back of your head.