Every holiday season, I find myself transported back to my childhood kitchen, where the sweet smell of *old fashioned christmas candy* filled the air. My mom and I would gather around the stovetop, excitement bubbling as we mixed together simple ingredients to create this timeless treat. I can still picture us pouring the shimmering syrup onto a greased sheet, waiting patiently for it to cool just enough before breaking it into pieces. It was more than just candy; it was a tradition that brought us closer, a sweet reminder of the joy and warmth of the holidays. Trust me, once you make this classic recipe, you’ll understand why it holds such a special place in my heart—and in the hearts of so many families. So let’s dive into making your own batch of *old fashioned christmas candy* and create some sweet memories together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 2 cups chopped nuts (optional, but I love adding them for a nice crunch!)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- Food coloring (optional, for a festive touch!)
How to Prepare *Old Fashioned Christmas Candy*
Making *old fashioned christmas candy* is easier than you might think, and I’m here to walk you through each step! First, grab a medium saucepan and combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of light corn syrup, and 1 cup of water. Place it over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely. This is where the magic starts!
Once everything is mixed and the sugar has dissolved, you’ll want to stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil. Keep a close eye on it! You’ll need to boil it until it reaches the hard crack stage, which is 300°F. This is crucial because it determines the texture of your candy. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can do the cold water test: drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water. If it forms hard, brittle threads, you’re good to go!
When your candy mixture hits that magic temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of pure almond extract, and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. If you’re feeling festive, add a few drops of food coloring at this point to make it pop! Next, pour the hot mixture onto a greased baking sheet and spread it out evenly. If you’re using chopped nuts, sprinkle them on top before it cools. Let it cool completely before you break it into pieces—trust me, this is the hardest part! But oh, the reward is so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of light corn syrup, and 1 cup of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Boil until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). Use a candy thermometer for accuracy or do the cold water test.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of pure almond extract, and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
- Add food coloring if desired, then pour the mixture onto a greased baking sheet and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of chopped nuts on top, if using, and let the candy cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
Tips for Success
To ensure your *old fashioned christmas candy* turns out perfectly, using a candy thermometer is a game changer! It takes the guesswork out of reaching that crucial 300°F. If you don’t have one, don’t fret—just remember the cold water test I mentioned earlier. It’s a great way to check the consistency without any fancy gadgets.
Feel free to adjust the flavorings to suit your taste! Adding a bit more almond extract can give your candy a delightful nuttiness, while a splash of peppermint extract can add a festive twist. And when it comes to storage, keep your candy in an airtight container to maintain that crunchy texture—trust me, nobody wants chewy candy! Enjoy making your sweet holiday memories!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with making *old fashioned christmas candy*! Here are just a few:
- Quick preparation—ready in about 35 minutes!
- Classic flavors that evoke nostalgia and warm holiday memories.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season.
- Customization options, like adding your favorite nuts or colorful food dye.
- A delightful way to get kids involved in holiday traditions.
- It fills your kitchen with that heavenly sweet aroma that screams Christmas!
Trust me, once you make this candy, you’ll be hooked on the joy it brings, and you’ll want to keep the tradition alive for years to come!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to *old fashioned christmas candy*, it’s all about indulgence, but it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Each piece of this delightful treat contains approximately 150 calories, 7 grams of fat, 30 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of protein. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, while you savor each sweet bite, just keep in mind that it’s a holiday treat meant to be enjoyed in moderation. Happy candy making!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of sugar for this recipe?
Absolutely! While granulated sugar is the classic choice for making *old fashioned christmas candy*, you can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, but it can create a delicious twist!
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
No worries! If you don’t have a candy thermometer, use the cold water test. Just drop a small amount of the boiling mixture into cold water. If it forms hard, brittle threads, you’re at the hard crack stage (300°F). It’s a handy trick that works every time!
Can I add flavors other than vanilla or almond?
Definitely! This recipe is super versatile. You can add peppermint extract for a festive touch or even orange extract for a citrusy zing. Just remember to start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
How do I prevent the candy from sticking to the baking sheet?
Using a greased baking sheet is key! Make sure to coat it well with butter or non-stick spray before pouring in your hot candy mixture. If you find it still sticks, a silicone baking mat works wonders!
What’s the best way to store *old fashioned christmas candy*?
Keep your candy in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain its crunchy texture. If you’re in a humid environment, consider refrigerating it, but let it come to room temperature before serving to enjoy that perfect crunch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *old fashioned christmas candy* properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious! Once the candy has completely cooled and you’ve broken it into pieces, place it in an airtight container. I like to layer the pieces with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. This way, you can enjoy them for weeks to come—if they last that long!
Keep the container at room temperature, away from any direct sunlight or heat sources. If you live in a humid area, it might be a good idea to pop the container in the fridge to maintain that perfect crunch. Just remember to let the candy come back to room temperature before serving—this will ensure that delightful snap and texture. Enjoy your sweet treats throughout the holiday season!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your *old fashioned christmas candy*, the possibilities are endless! These delightful treats make for perfect holiday gifts, beautifully packaged in festive boxes or jars tied with a ribbon. Imagine gifting a jar of this candy to friends and family—they’ll love the thoughtful touch!
For gatherings, set out a colorful platter of candy alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa or a spiced holiday punch. The sweet crunch of the candy pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of chocolate and the warmth of seasonal spices. You can also use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, adding a delightful crunch that elevates any dessert.
And don’t forget about holiday parties! These candies can be a fantastic addition to a dessert table, bringing a nostalgic flair that everyone will enjoy. So, get creative and let the holiday cheer shine through as you share this classic treat with loved ones!
Z nadrukami
Old Fashioned Christmas Candy: 5 Sweet Memories Await
- Całkowity Czas: 35 minutes
- Ustępować: Approximately 2 pounds 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A classic treat enjoyed during the holiday season.
Składniki
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup butter
- Food coloring (optional)
Instrukcje
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil without stirring.
- Continue boiling until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage (300°F).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, almond extract, and butter.
- Add food coloring if desired.
- Pour mixture onto a greased baking sheet and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top if using.
- Let cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Uwagi
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature.
- Adjust flavorings to taste.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Candy
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 piece
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 30g
- Sód: 5mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 23g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Słowa kluczowe: old fashioned christmas candy
