Hard candy makers: I need some help with sugar syrup discoloration!!!

[cjeanean]

Okay, I'm making candy canes, but the problem is that the sugar syrup is discoloring before it hits 295F. Am I heating it too fast? The canes are turing out to be yellow and red instead of white and red....any tips? I'm pulling it enough, so that's not the problem, but while it's still in the pan before I even get to the pulling stage it turns the yellow-y color. The sugar syrup isn't burning, it doesn't have a funny taste or anything. Oh, and does anyone know where I can get peppermint oil flavoring? Do they sell it at like Michaels or something? Thanks!

 

[ScoobyRoo]

Hmmmmm, I really don't know why it is turning yellowish on you. Maybe you are cooking it too fast or too hot. I'm pretty sure peppermint oil flavoring shouldn't be too hard to come by this time of the year. I would try a hobby store. Wouldn't peppermint extract work the same?

 

[Imp]

Could it be the sugar or water? Shouldn't be browning at 295.

Imp

 

[TammyTX]

I found candy oils at Walmart hanging on the side of a end-cap in the flour/sugar section.

 

[cjeanean]

Maybe I'm just heating it too fast...I dunno...I know I'm pulling it enough, that's for sure....The extract evaporates when you add it to the hot sugar syrup, that's why I need oil, Henry'sChickens. Seriously, Tammy, u found it at wal mart?!?! All I could find were the extracts....LOL, I'm probably just blind, thanks everyone!

 

[PandoraTaylor]

I would lower the heat a little, your not supposed to heat fast- slow & steady does candy best!