Candy Making Food and Nutrition II

Stick to the Rules Use the recommended size and type of cooking pan. Not doing this will effect cooking time Never double a candy recipe! Use a good dependable candy thermometer. The thermometer should be standing upright and the bulb should not touch the bottom of the pan.

More Candy Making Tips Test candy carefully. The cold water test is recommended even when using a thermometer. Both humidity and altitude effect candy. Do not make candy on a rainy day. Wait for the sun to shine. Never substitute margarine for butter!

Cold Water Test Thread Stage (syrup) 230-233 degrees When a teaspoon is dipped into the hot mixture, then removed, the candy falls off the spoon in a 2-inch long, fine, thin thread.

Cold Water Test Soft Ball Stage (fudge) 234-240 degrees When the ball of candy is removed from the cold water the candy instantly flattens and runs between your fingers.

Cold Water Test Firm Ball Stage (caramels) 244-248 degrees When the ball of candy is removed from the cold water it is firm enough to hold it’s shape but quickly flattens at room temp.

Cold Water Test Hard Ball Stage (marshmallows) 250-265 degrees When taken out of the water the ball won’t flatten. The ball will be hard however you can still change it’s shape by squashing it.

Cold Water Test Soft Crack Stage (popcorn balls) 270-290 degrees When you drop a bit of this syrup into cold water, it will solidify into threads that, when removed from the water, are flexible, not brittle. They will bend slightly before breaking.

Cold Water Test Hard Crack Stage (hard candy) 300-310 degrees Drop a little of the molten syrup in cold water and it will form hard, brittle threads that break when bent. CAUTION: To avoid burns, allow the syrup to cool in the cold water for a few moments before touching it!

Warning!! Whenever you cook candy, you need to beware of getting burned. The high temperatures at which you cook many candies create a very volatile solution that spews small, boiling globules out of the pot. If these globules touch your skin, they can cause severe burns, and you should place the affected area under cold water and treat it as soon as possible. Resist the urge to touch the burned spot to your mouth because doing so causes a second, more severe burn to your lips.