Candy! It’s Dandy :)

It’s a Science… You must mix candies correctly and cook them to the exact temperature specified in the recipe. Otherwise, they won’t turn out! There are 2 types of candy…

Crystalline Candy Contains fine sugar crystals Texture is smooth and creamy Examples: Fudge, fondant, divinity

Noncrystalline Candy Does not contain sugar crystals Texture is chewy or brittle Examples: Caramels, peanut brittle, toffee

Candy Making All cooked candies begin with a simple sugar syrup. This syrup a mixture of sugar and liquid that is cooked to a thick consistency.

Making Crystalline Candy Produce small sugar crystals by: 1) Heating the sugar syrup to a specific temperature 2) Then cooling it to a specific temperature 3) Then mixing it vigorously

Making Noncrystalline Candy Add a substance to interfere with the crystallization process. Substance could be: Corn syrup Milk Cream Butter

The Most Important T… TEMPERATURE ! With either type of candy, temperature is very important. Using a candy thermometer is the most accurate method of testing the temperature of sugar syrups.

Test It Out… While using a candy thermometer is the most accurate way to test candy’s readiness, the cold water test can also be used. Once candy is ready to pour, WORK QUICKLY! Once removed from heat, the candy syrup will cool and harden quickly.

Soft Ball Stage 234° to 240° Forms a soft ball that flattens between fingers

Firm Ball Stage 242° to 248° Forms a firm ball that holds its shape until pressed

Hard Ball Stage 250° to 268° Forms a hard ball that holds its shape but is pliable

Soft Crack Stage 270° to 290° Separates into hard but pliable threads

Hard Crack Stage 300° to 310° Separates into hard, brittle threads that break easily

HardnessTemperatureCold Water Test Soft Ball234° to 240° Forms a soft ball that flattens between fingers Firm Ball242° to 248° Forms a firm ball that holds its shape until pressed Hard Ball250° to 268° Forms a hard ball that holds its shape but is pliable Soft Crack270° to 290° Separates into hard but pliable threads Hard Crack300° to 310° Separates into hard, brittle threads that break easily

Cleaning Up! Work quickly to pour as much candy as possible into the mold. To clean, fill saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Soak wooden spoon as well. The water dilutes the hardened candy, so it can be poured down the drain.