Hard Candy "Rocks"!

This Hard Candy is delicious and easy to make by following this recipe, my tips, and photos. Making Hard Candy brings back such fond memories of family gatherings, getting together with friends, and church fund raisers. This candy also makes great gifts! Make a memory with your family and friends!



Ingredients for large batch:

4 cups granulated sugar
1-1/3 cups light corn syrup
1-1/2 cups water
2 drams LorAnn Oil Flavoring
Liquid Food Coloring
Powdered sugar

Directions:

Coat a jelly roll pan with cooking spray.

Attach a candy thermometer to a large heavy saucepan and adjust to correct position. I prefer this metal thermometer; if you use a glass thermometer, make sure the end does not touch the bottom of the pan.

Mix sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium-high heat until mixture is boiling and sugar dissolves.

Reduce heat to medium or slightly above. Boil without stirring. 

Add a few drops of liquid food coloring when temperature reaches 260 degrees; do not stir.

Cinnamon - Yum!!

Continue boiling without stirring until temperature reaches 300 degrees F, or until drops of syrup form hard, brittle threads in cold water. Remove from heat and let it set until boiling stops. Carefully pour in flavoring and stir. 



Note: this oil flavoring is very strong! Use proper ventilation!





Pour onto a lightly greased jelly roll pan and let cool. (or spray with Pam)

Peanut butter Hard Candy sets up quickly!

When completely cool, cover candy with waxed paper and place on a hard surface to break into pieces. I use a meat tenderizer tool for this. You can also use a small clean hammer.

Note: I place the pan on the floor on a rug or towel to protect the floor from scratches.

Drop candy pieces into a gallon Ziploc bag. To prevent candy from sticking, add powdered sugar, a little at a time, and shake to coat the pieces.

You may also store Hard Candy in an airtight container.


Variation for Peanut Butter Hard Candy

Follow above steps, except:

• Do not add food coloring. 
• Instead of adding oil flavoring, add 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, and stir until smooth. 

Nancy's Notes:

• You may vary the amount of flavorings according to your preferences. LorAnn Oil Flavorings may be purchased at Hobby Lobby and online. Some stores (like Walmart) stock these flavors around Christmas time.
• For a regular batch, simply divide the ingredients by 2:         2 cups sugar, 2/3 cup light corn syrup, 3/4 cup water, 1 dram oil flavoring
• You may mix flavors in a bag or bowl for gift giving, but I always keep Peanut Butter in its own bag due to peanut allergies.

• For long storage, Hard Candy can be stored in the freezer to avoid stickiness. 
• These directions are adapted from the LorAnn Oils recipe.

A bow and bells add a festive touch!
Merry Christmas!