Are you ready to embark on a sweet adventure? Forget store-bought candies filled with artificial ingredients and questionable flavors. Today, we're making homemade hard candies, bursting with vibrant color and intensely delicious, natural flavor thanks to Lorann Oils! This recipe is incredibly easy, perfect for beginners, and allows you to customize your candy with your favorite Lorann Oil flavors. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these beautiful and tasty treats! This is a fantastic option for those seeking easy recipes, quick dinner ideas (well, dessert ideas!), and healthy meals, in moderation, of course!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Lorann Oil flavoring of your choice (I recommend almond, peppermint, or cherry!)
- Optional: Food coloring (gel food coloring works best)
Equipment:
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Parchment paper
- Butter or cooking spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare your workspace
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the candies from sticking. This step is crucial for easy candy removal later.
Step 2: Combine ingredients
In your heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir gently to combine. Avoid splashing the mixture on the sides of the pan as this can cause crystallization.
Step 3: Cook the candy
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, without stirring, until it reaches 300°F (149°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the hard-crack stage. Be patient; this will take some time. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 4: Add flavor and color (optional)
Once the candy reaches 300°F (149°C), remove it from the heat. Carefully stir in your chosen Lorann Oil flavoring and food coloring (if using). Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Step 5: Pour and cool
Quickly pour the hot candy onto your prepared baking sheet. Work quickly, as the candy will begin to set.
Step 6: Let it set
Allow the candy to cool completely and harden. This may take 30-60 minutes depending on your kitchen temperature and humidity.
Step 7: Break and enjoy!
Once the candy is completely cool and hard, break it into pieces. Store your homemade hard candies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips for Success:
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan: This helps to prevent scorching and ensures even heating.
- Don't stir while cooking: Stirring during the cooking process can cause crystallization.
- Use a candy thermometer: A candy thermometer is essential for achieving the correct hard-crack stage.
- Work quickly after adding flavor: The candy sets quickly once removed from the heat, so be prepared to pour it immediately.
- Experiment with flavors: Lorann Oils offers a wide variety of flavors, so feel free to experiment and find your favorites!
Variations:
- Swirl different flavors: Pour different colored and flavored batches onto the baking sheet and swirl them together for a marbled effect.
- Add sprinkles: Sprinkle your favorite sprinkles onto the hot candy before it sets.
- Use different molds: Pour the candy into silicone molds for unique shapes.
Nutritional Information (per serving – approximate, will vary based on flavor and serving size):
Calories: Approximately 100-150 Fat: Minimal Sugar: High Protein: Minimal
Please note that this is an estimate and the actual nutritional content may vary. This recipe is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
This Lorann Oil hard candy recipe is a fun and delicious way to enjoy homemade sweets. It's a perfect project for a rainy day or a fun activity to do with kids (with adult supervision, of course!). Enjoy the process of creating these beautiful and flavorful candies, and don't forget to share your creations with friends and family!