In order to make candy, there are three things that you need to do: select a candy type, identify the ingredients and equipment required, and find a suitable location. The instructions to make handmade candy are not very complicated, but special attention should be paid to the equipment requirements.
To select a candy type, look at a list of options from a candy making recipe book. There are three types of homemade candy: syrup-based candy, filled candy, and chewy. Select a small receipt to start and remember that handmade candy has no preservatives, so it is a good idea to limit the quantities at first.
Syrup-based candy is the easiest to make and filled candy is the hardest. The reason for the increased difficulty is the need to prepare and insert the filling at the right stage of the process. Chewy candy is similar to fudge in texture and equipment requirements.
Look at the recipe book and select a simple recipe. For all hard candies, you will need sugar, cornstarch, food coloring, and water. Some recipes call for corn syrup, which is a type of liquid sugar. All these ingredients can be found in the average grocery store baking aisle.
It is wise to purchase a thick-bottomed saucepan just for candy making. To make candy, you must heat the saucepan to a high heat and maintain that temperature for a sustained period. Many candy recipes call for repeated heating and cooling cycles, which can damage your saucepan.
Review the recipe with care and take a close look at the exhaust system above your stove. Heated sugar molecules rise in the steam when you make candy. As the steam cools, the sugar molecules stick to all available surfaces. This includes walls, floors, and cupboards. There are two ways to resolve this issue: cook the candy mixture outside, or use a powerful exhaust fan.
To make candy, the first step is to mix the sugar and water in a saucepan. If you want colored candy, add food coloring. As the mixture heats, it must be stirred continuously. Continue to add sugar until the solution is saturated and the sugar no longer dissolves. Take care to keep the mixture just below boiling. Continue to stir until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Add flavoring, if required.
Remove the pan from the stove and place in the fridge to cool the mixture. It must be room temperature before you take it out the fridge for the next stage. Pour out the candy mixture onto waxed paper into the shapes that you want and allow it to cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar to stop it sticking to each other and enjoy.
