Making this recipe fulfilled my inner little girl. Its something I'm loving these days, just fun playful little activities that might not check off the to-do list, but make me smile.
These are the three how-to videos I want you to watch first. If you're new to candy-making, you might want to add a little more research as well. You can make do without a candy thermometer by simply testing the candy in water. We are going for the hard-crack stage. Do not be like me and try to do this with raw organic sugar. White sugar is called for this time. Additionally, if you have access to a good baking store, get the gel coloring, though the standard supermarket options will work too, you just may find your red turns out pink, which I liked.
The biggest challenge for me was ensuring my candy didn't crystallize. To prevent crystallization, add a splash of apple cider vinegar once you've added all your ingredients to the pot (you won't taste it). Do not omit the corn syrup (I KNOW you want to, but don't). Then cook your candy SLOWLY, on the lowest possible heat, with the lid on MOST of the time (this will keep the steam coming down and washing down the crystals that may form at the meniscus). Do not stir. Use a damp pasty brush to wash the sides down gently a few times.
These FIVE tips (adding ACV, using corn syrup, keeping lid on, cooking slowly, and washing down the sides with a damp pastry brush) should ensure crystals do not form and you will get a smooth, pullable candy.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups white sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup water
peppermint flavoring, food coloring
parchment paper, butter for surfaces, etc.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS are in the first YouTube video. Let me know how it goes!