Are you craving a sweet treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This homemade ginger hard candy recipe delivers a delightful burst of spicy ginger flavor, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or gifting to friends and family. It's a fun project for a cozy evening, and the results are far superior to store-bought candies. This recipe offers a simple, healthy alternative to mass-produced sweets, showcasing the magic of homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup fresh ginger, finely grated (about 1 large knob)
- Optional: A pinch of citric acid for extra tang, a few drops of your favorite food coloring
Instructions:
Get started:
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking. This is a crucial step for easy candy removal later.
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Prepare your ginger: Finely grate the fresh ginger. The finer the grate, the smoother your candy will be. If you prefer a more intense ginger flavor, feel free to add up to 1/3 cup.
Cook the candy:
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Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely. A heavy saucepan helps prevent burning.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, without stirring. Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature readings.
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Once boiling, clip the thermometer to the side of the pan and continue to boil, swirling the pan occasionally to prevent sticking, until the mixture reaches 300°F (149°C) – the hard-crack stage. This will take about 15-20 minutes.
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Remove from heat and stir in the grated ginger. If using, add citric acid and food coloring now as well. Stir until well combined.
Pour and cool:
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Immediately pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Work quickly as it sets rapidly.
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Let it cool completely and undisturbed for at least 2 hours, or until completely hard.
Break and enjoy:
- Once cooled, break the candy into pieces. You can use a hammer wrapped in a towel or a candy crusher for even-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Ginger Hard Candy:
- Use a candy thermometer: This is essential for achieving the correct hard-crack stage and ensuring your candy sets properly.
- Don't stir once boiling: Stirring after the mixture boils can cause crystallization.
- Work quickly: The candy cools and hardens rapidly once removed from the heat.
- Grease the parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes removing the candy easier.
- Experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or even a few drops of peppermint extract for unique flavor combinations.
Variations:
- Spicy Ginger Candy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Citrus Ginger Candy: Add the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright citrus twist.
- Crystallized Ginger Candy: Instead of grating fresh ginger, use store-bought crystallized ginger, finely chopped.
Nutritional Information (per piece, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your candy pieces, but a general estimate for a small piece would be:
- Calories: 50-70
- Sugar: 15-20g
This easy ginger hard candy recipe is a perfect addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes. It's a simple yet impressive homemade treat, ideal for quick dinner ideas or gifting. Enjoy the delightful zing of ginger with every bite! It's a great way to explore the world of homemade cooking and create healthy, satisfying sweets.