Making hard candy

[lilshadow]

Has anyone ever made hard candy? I want to make some, but I am not sure if I can use extracts for flavoring or if I have to have oils for flavoring? Advice please.

 

[wyo-helpmeet]

You can use extracts OR oils. I make candies, as we're following a traditional foods diet. I have 2 kids with dye/preservatives/additives sensitivities.

 

[babylady4]

I have made hard candy. The extracts contain alcohol so you need to add more and also be careful when adding them since they will sizzle in the hot sugar. The oils are potent so you do not need as much and they do not have the spatter issue.

Kudos to you for trying this! Not too many people do! My kids love it when I make homemade candy. We have made marshmallows, salt water taffy, caramels, peanut brittle, and of course hard candies. Homemade ice cream is another treat to attempt making. Not the mixes either, the real McCoy with a cooked custard base. YUMMY!

 

[lilshadow]

This is great thanks. I thought I would have to go and get oils for this project. I am very excited about trying this. Lots of things to try.

 

[debilorrah]

Recipe please.

 

[lilshadow]

Hard Candy
2 cups sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup hot water
flavoring of choice (extracts/oils)
food coloring

Pour 2 cups sugar, 2/3 cup light corn syrup, and 3/4 cup hot water in a small saucepan. If you're using a candy thermometer, make sure that the panis small enough for the bulb to be submerged in the solution.

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Without stirring, let the mixture come to a boil which should be about another 5 minutes.

Now raise the temp to high as it boils.

Watch your thermometer until the temp is at exactly 300 degrees. If you do not have a candy therm. you can fill a glass with really cold water then take a drop of the candy liquid and if it solidifies in the shape of a ball and floats to the surface then it's ready for the next step.

Remove from heat and cool until the sugar stops boiling (but is still very hot) add a dram of flavoring and several drops of your choice of food colorin or kool aid. Mix quickly.

Pour the molten sugar onto a greased cookie sheet. Allow it to cool. Spread the mixture around the sheet. After the sheet cools (30 minutes to an hour ) break up the candy into several pieces and dust with powdered sugar. (optional)

 

[TerriLaChicks]

and after you pour it onto the greased cookie sheet, get that pan into the sink & hot hot water as quickly as possible! Otherwise it will cool into a hard mass of concrete and be almost impossible to clean.
Take it from one who knows...

 

[SunnyDawn]

Quote:
I want that recipe for custard based ice cream! PLEEEASE? It sounds yummy!

 

[lilshadow]

Well, I did it. I made 2 batches of hard candy. First batch is pomegranate and the second batch is cinnamon. They are tasty. The only mishap I had was when I accidently dropped my candy therm. into the pot...lol. That was a fun experience. My boys love it, I had one ask if he could take some to school on the bus. These aren't little one's, they are teenagers.

Tomorrow I am going to make peach and sassafras we will see how those turn out. I also want to make anise. I found the oils at crafters direct for 1. 69 for a dram ( 1 oz.).

 

[SunnyDawn]

Quote:
Wow, when a teenager wants to brag and share something a parent has made I'm really impressed! That must be some candy!