Making candy is a fun and rewarding project that can be made with ingredients you probably have in your kitchen already. However, you will need a few specialized tools if you are going to be making a lot of candy.
First, make sure you have all the necessary equipment before you begin. A candy thermometer is a great start, but you will also want to have some bowls for testing the temperature of your boiling syrup, a baking sheet for scooping and cutting the candy, and maybe some molds if you plan on making large batches.
Once you have the proper equipment, it’s time to get started! This candy is a great way to teach kids about the science of sugar and how it crystallizes.
The trick to making hard candy is to keep the sugar from forming big crystals. This is done by adding corn syrup to the melted sugar solution. This helps prevent the crystals from forming, and allows you to control the texture of the candy.
When you are ready to make the candy, prepare a saucepan and add the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Be careful not to overheat the mixture; it should simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring only occasionally. If the mixture begins to thicken before the correct temperature is reached, turn the heat down.
Once the sugar syrup reaches a boil, test it for doneness by dropping small amounts into cold water. If the mixture separates easily, it is done; if the syrup holds its shape or breaks apart when it is dropped into the water, the candy is not done.
It’s important to note that if the syrup does not reach the correct temperature, it can burn and cause damage to your candy. You can monitor the temperature by regularly checking the mixture using a candy thermometer or by testing it with the cold water test described above.
When it is ready, pour the boiled mixture into the molds immediately. Don’t allow it to set too long in the molds, as this can lead to lumpy candy.
Cut the candy into pieces after it cools. Alternatively, you can transfer it to a cookie sheet and allow it to set for about a minute before cutting into 1-inch squares. Once the candy is completely cooled, wrap each piece of candy in waxed paper and store in an airtight container.
This candy is a great addition to any holiday party or celebration, and it can be made in bulk for easy gifts. This makes it a great option for hosting large groups of people.
