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Homemade Hard Candy

Homemade Hard Candy
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Making your own Homemade Hard Candy is a simple and rewarding process that yields glossy, flavorful candies with customizable flavors and colors. Perfect as a nostalgic treat or a unique gift, this recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and guides you through precise temperature control to achieve the ideal hard crack texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup light corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon flavor extract (e.g., peppermint, lemon, cherry, or vanilla)
  • Food coloring of choice (a few drops)
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon citric acid or cream of tartar

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Workspace: Gather all ingredients and tools, including a candy thermometer, silicone mat or greased baking sheet, and heatproof utensils. Arrange everything within easy reach since timing is crucial once sugar begins heating.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, stir together granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water until the sugar is evenly moistened. Avoid stirring once the mixture starts heating. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom to get an accurate reading.
  3. Boil to Hard Crack Stage: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat without stirring. Allow the temperature to rise steadily to 300°F (149°C), the hard crack stage, which ensures the candy hardens with the perfect crunch. Watch carefully as it can burn quickly near this temperature.
  4. Add Flavor and Color: Remove the pan from heat immediately after reaching 300°F. Quickly but gently stir in your chosen flavor extract and food coloring to avoid crystallization.
  5. Pour and Shape: Immediately pour the hot syrup onto your prepared surface in small dollops or spread thin for sheets. Let it cool just enough to shape, twist, or cut into desired forms. Use greased hands or tools to prevent sticking.
  6. Cool and Store: Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break or cut into pieces and store in an airtight container away from humidity.

Notes

  • Use a reliable candy thermometer for accurate temperature measurement to achieve perfect texture.
  • Avoid stirring during boiling to prevent unwanted crystallization and grainy candy.
  • Work quickly when adding flavors and coloring after boiling to maintain smooth consistency.
  • Grease tools and surfaces to prevent sticking and enable smooth shaping or cutting.
  • Make candy on dry days or in low humidity to avoid sticky results and extend shelf life.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade hard candy, hard candy recipe, DIY candy, peppermint candy, fruit flavored candy, candy making

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/homemade-hard-candy/