Description
Sweet memories crystallize in this homemade hard candy that whispers nostalgic childhood treats. Crafted with simple ingredients and love, these glossy gems promise delightful flavor adventures for friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup (160 ml) light corn syrup
- ¾ cup (180 ml) water
Flavoring and Coloring:
- ½ teaspoon flavoring extract (such as peppermint, cinnamon, or fruit flavors)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Equipment:
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Heatproof spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat
- Optional: Candy molds
Instructions
- Meticulously prepare a workspace by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat, then lightly dust with confectioners sugar to prevent potential candy adhesion.
- Select a heavy-bottomed saucepan and combine sugar, light corn syrup, and water, stirring gently until sugar dissolves completely.
- Position the saucepan over medium-high heat, allowing the mixture to reach a rolling boil without disturbing its surface. Attach a candy thermometer to monitor temperature progression.
- Continue heating the syrup until it precisely reaches the hard crack stage, approximately 300F to 310F (150C to 154C), maintaining a steady, watchful eye on the thermometer.
- Immediately remove the molten mixture from heat source, then swiftly incorporate flavor extract and desired food coloring, stirring with controlled, gentle movements to ensure even distribution.
- Carefully transfer the liquid candy onto the prepared baking sheet, using careful tilting motions to encourage uniform spreading while maintaining caution due to extreme temperature.
- Allow the candy to cool naturally at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, enabling complete solidification without disruption.
- Once fully set, fragment the hardened candy into irregular pieces using a mallet or the back of a sturdy spoon, creating delightful shards of sweet confectionery.
- Preserve the finished candy in an airtight container to maintain optimal freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
Notes
- Precision is key when making hard candy, so invest in a reliable candy thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature and achieve the perfect consistency.
- Work quickly after removing the mixture from heat, as it will start to harden rapidly and become difficult to pour or shape.
- Use caution when handling the hot sugar syrup, as it can cause severe burns. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area and use long-handled utensils.
- Experiment with different flavor extracts and food colorings to create unique and personalized hard candy variations that suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 20 servings.
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg