Simple Hard Candy Recipe: A Sweet and Colorful Treat
Hard candy is a timeless favorite for its vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and satisfying crunch. Whether you want to make candy drops, lollipops, or freeform designs, this recipe is the perfect starting point for any candy enthusiast.
Ingredients (Yields approximately 1 pound of candy)
- Granulated Sugar: 2 cups
- Light Corn Syrup: 2/3 cup
- Water: 3/4 cup
- Flavoring Extract (your choice): 1 tsp (e.g., peppermint, cherry, or lemon)
- Food Coloring: A few drops
- Powdered Sugar (optional): For dusting and preventing stickiness
Tools Needed
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Baking sheet or silicone candy molds
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper
- Heatproof gloves (or oiled hands)
- Wooden spoon
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Workspace
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, or grease your candy molds.
- Have all your tools and ingredients ready—timing is crucial when making hard candy.
2. Combine Ingredients
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Heat the Mixture
- Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan. Stop stirring once the sugar is dissolved and let the mixture boil.
- Heat to 300°F (hard-crack stage). Watch closely to avoid burning.
4. Add Flavor and Color
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Allow the bubbling to subside for a few seconds.
- Quickly stir in your chosen flavoring extract and food coloring. Be cautious—steam may rise when adding these ingredients.
5. Pour and Shape the Candy
- Pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet or into molds.
- For freeform candy: Use a greased knife to cut or shape the candy as it starts to cool.
- For drops or shapes: Let the candy set in molds.
6. Cool and Finish
- Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature. If desired, lightly dust with powdered sugar to prevent pieces from sticking together.
7. Break and Store
- If using a baking sheet, break the cooled candy into pieces using a rolling pin or the back of a spoon.
- Store your candy in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.
Tips for Success
- Work Quickly: Candy cools and hardens fast, so be ready to pour and shape immediately after adding flavor and color.
- Avoid Humidity: Moisture can cause hard candy to become sticky. Work in a dry environment.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try mixing different extracts to create unique flavor combinations like orange-vanilla or mint-chocolate.
Enjoy your homemade hard candy as sweet treats, party favors, or decorative gifts. Happy candy-making! 🍬
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