#candy recipes

[walkawaytall]

So, this December, it will be 11 years since I last worked at Costco, which means it has been nearly 11 years since my old coworkers had one of these apple cider caramels, which I believe I only made twice for work. A couple of people did go crazy over these caramels, and they apparently really made an impression, because I was shopping recently and one of my former coworkers asked if I'd made them any time recently.

Anyway, here's the recipe that is apparently worth bringing up a decade after the fact. It is autumnal, it really isn't that difficult as long as you have a candy thermometer (though, be very careful with molten sugar), and it makes a ton of candy.

apple cider caramels

My favorite candy I’ve ever made compacts a whole bottle of fresh apple cider into a salt-flecked, cinnamon-y, buttery caramel that is so lo

(For the record, this is my favorite recipe blog. I have been using her recipes since 2009, and I think I've only found a couple of them just okay. Most are fantastic.)

[thoughtportal]

sea salt date snickers

[tuesdainoelle]

[tastesoftamriel]

Sweet Sanguine apples Ah, candy apples, the quintessential child's treat handed out throughout Tamriel on the 13th of Frostfall, better known as the Witches Festival. Yet Sanguine, Daedric Prince of debauchery, has something a little naughtier in mind for the grownups with a sweet tooth. Sweet, salty, spicy, and definitely made to get you giggling with mischief in no time, don your costumes and get ready to party with this tasty treat on a stick that'll have you and your guests in a witchy mood next week! This recipe is for 3 apples, so adjust the ingredients you need according to how many candy apples you plan on making! You will need: 3 medium sized red apples of your preference, washed and with stems removed 3 thick wooden skewers 1 cup cannabis butter 1 cup dark syrup 2 cups soft brown sugar 1 1/2 tbsp coarsely ground sea salt flakes 2 tsp red food dye 400ml sweetened condensed milk 1 1/2 tsp vanilla essence 100g dark chocolate (65% or stronger cocoa) 2 shots absinthe 1 tbsp chili flakes Method: Firstly, make the caramel. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, salt, and butter and melt together on medium heat. Stir in the syrup, food dye, and condensed milk, and continue to cook, stirring continuously for 10-15 minutes, when the caramel begins to become firm. Remove from heat. Skewer each of the apples firmly, through the core from the base. Dip each in the caramel and roll them around until evenly coated. Place them face down on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, and refrigerate to harden while you work on the chocolate. Break the chocolate into pieces in a deep bowl, and place the bowl in a pot of hot, but not boiling water. Stir the chocolate gently until it melts. Add the absinthe and chili flakes, and stir through thoroughly to combine. Remove the hardened candy apples from the fridge and dip them in the melted chocolate, or get creative and paint patterns on with the chocolate! When you're done, place them back in the fridge to harden for about 15 minutes, and they're ready to eat!

[onlyvegetarianrecipes]

Tuesday Theme Day - Candied Fruit!

Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes!

[onlybestcooking]

*Slow Cooker Christmas Candy Recipe* Triple chocolate peanut candy dessert recipe is the easiest way to make homemade candy for the Christmas and everyone loves it! Surprise your guests! #recipes #candy #crockpot #dessert #Christmas https://magicskillet.com/recipe/slow-cooker-christmas-candy-recipe/

[culinary-institute-of-america]

Love Science: Homemade Sweets for Your Bae

From the CIA with love: Valentine’s Day recipes you can try at home, from our culinary science students in the Culinary Innovations in Food and Technology (CIFT) club. 

Strawberry Dusted Truffles

Servings: 100

What you’ll need:

250g heavy cream

70g glucose syrup

620g dark chocolate

30g butter          

60g raspberry liqueur

Dark chocolate as needed, tempered and melted

Freeze-dried strawberry as needed

What to do:

Combine the heavy cream and the glucose syrup and bring to a boil.

Pour the heavy cream mixture over the chocolate and allow it to sit undisturbed for one minute.

Using a paddle, begin stirring in small circles until it resembles “chocolate mayo,” forming a ganache.

Add the butter, stirring it into the warm ganache.

Add the raspberry liqueur.

Pour the finished ganache into a large, flat pan to cool it down to 22C.

Remove the ganache from the pan and table it lightly.

Pipe into shape and dip in the melted chocolate.

Process the strawberry into dust.

Cover the truffles with the freeze-dried strawberry dust.

Panna Cotta Candy

Servings: 15

What you’ll need:

70g milk

2.7g vanilla paste

4g gelatin

1.3g kappa carrageenan

30g sugar

142g heavy cream

1 silicone candy mold

What to do:

Combine the milk, vanilla paste, gelatin, and kappa carrageenan. Blend until fully integrated.

Add the sugar and the heavy cream. Whisk gently.

Put in a pot and bring to a boil.

While still hot, pour into the silicone candy mold.

Refrigerate until fully set.

Raspberry Pate de Fruit

Servings: 12

What you’ll need:

2.25g pectin

120g sugar

105g raspberry purée

21.5g glucose powder

2g liquid citric acid

1 silicone candy mold

 What to do:

Whisk together the pectin and one-third of the sugar in a bowl to ensure a homogenous mix. Place the mixture in a pot and whisk in the fruit purée.

Bring the mixture to a boil. Combine the remaining sugar with the glucose powder and slowly pour it into the pot while whisking constantly to avoid sugar clumps. Insert a probe thermometer or thermo-coupler into the pot to monitor the temperature constantly.

Bring the mixture to 107°C. Remove the pot from the heat and add the citric acid, stirring constantly.

Pour into the silicone candy mold.

Let the pate de fruit set overnight without wrapping.

Once it is set, de-mold and sprinkle/coat with sugar.

[allhalalsweets]

Rock Candy - The Best Guide to Rock Candy History, Types, Recipes, and Fun Facts

Rock candy is more than just colorful sugar on a stick. It’s a timeless treat that has delighted Americans for over a century. From state fairs to party favors, rock candy stands out with its sparkling crystals and pure sweetness. This guide covers everything you need to know about rock candy, including its origins, types, recipes, and surprising facts. Get ready to rediscover this classic favorite.

What Is Rock Candy?

Rock candy is a sweet made from large sugar crystals. These crystals form when sugar is dissolved in hot water and allowed to cool slowly. Over time, the sugar particles join together, making chunky, glass-like pieces.

In the U.S., rock candy is often sold on sticks or strings. It’s popular in flavors like cherry, watermelon, and cotton candy. Some people also use rock candy to sweeten tea or decorate desserts.

According to the National Confectioners Association, about 70% of Americans enjoy nostalgic candies like rock candy at least once a year.

A Quick History of Rock Candy in the U.S.

17th century: The first recorded use of rock candy in Europe.

1800s: Immigrants brought rock candy making methods to the U.S.

1880s: American candy makers began mass-producing rock candy.

By the early 1900s, rock candy became a popular treat in candy shops across states like New York and Illinois. Its bright colors and crystal texture attracted kids and adults alike.

“Candy is the universal language of happiness,” says John Downs, President of the National Confectioners Association. Rock candy fits perfectly into that statement.

Why Is Rock Candy Still Popular?

Rock candy is loved for three simple reasons:

Bright colors and fun shapes

Pure, simple ingredients

Long shelf life

It appeals to both nostalgia seekers and new generations. More than 50% of U.S. adults say they like candy that reminds them of childhood, according to Statista 2023.

Top 7 Most Popular Rock Candy Flavors

These flavors dominate the U.S. rock candy market:

Blue Raspberry

Cherry

Watermelon

Grape

Cotton Candy

Green Apple

Strawberry

Blue raspberry and cherry account for nearly 40% of rock candy sales nationwide.

How Is Rock Candy Made? A Simple Process

Making rock candy is easy and fun at home. Here’s a clear guide:

Boil 2 cups of water.

Stir in 4 cups of sugar until dissolved.

Add food coloring or flavor extract.

Pour the mixture into a glass jar.

Hang a string or stick into the liquid.

Let it sit for 5 to 7 days.

Crystals will start forming within 24 hours. The longer you wait, the bigger the crystals get.

5 Fun Facts About Rock Candy

Rock candy was once used as medicine to soothe sore throats.

It takes about 7 days to grow a standard rock candy stick.

Americans consume an average of 8 pounds of hard candy per year.

Some rock candy pieces can reach over 2 inches in size.

In the U.S., rock candy is often used as wedding favors.

Is Rock Candy Healthier Than Other Candies?

Compared to chewy candies loaded with additives, rock candy contains only sugar and water (plus flavoring). However, it is still high in sugar. A single stick has around 60 to 70 calories. Moderation is key.

Rock Candy vs Other Hard Candies

Here’s a short comparison:

Rock Candy: Large sugar crystals, pure sweetness

Lollipops: Small, flavored, molded into shapes

Jolly Ranchers: Smooth, dense, intense flavor

If you want pure sugar flavor and crunchy texture, rock candy is unmatched.

Top 5 Uses for Rock Candy Today

Sweetener for tea or cocktails

Cake and cupcake toppers

Party favors and wedding treats

Science experiments for kids

Holiday decorations

About 30% of U.S. bakers use rock candy to decorate desserts, says Bake Magazine (2023).

Where to Buy the Best Rock Candy in the U.S.

Some of the most trusted brands and shops are:

Dryden & Palmer (since 1880)

Sweet Pete’s Candy (Florida)

Economy Candy (New York)

These brands ship nationwide and offer custom flavors.

Rock Candy in American Pop Culture

Rock candy has even made it into TV and movies. In AMC’s Breaking Bad, rock candy was famously used as a prop for fake blue meth. It’s also a staple at carnivals and state fairs, where kids flock to buy bright sticks for $1–$3 each.

How to Store Rock Candy Properly

Keep rock candy in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for up to 1 year without losing quality. Avoid humid places because moisture can melt the crystals.

The Future of Rock Candy in the U.S.

Demand for nostalgic candy, including rock candy, has grown 15% over the past five years. U.S. candy makers are now introducing:

Organic rock candy (made with cane sugar)

Natural flavors and colors

Smaller packs for portion control

According to Candy Industry Magazine, over 60% of American consumers are interested in candies with fewer artificial ingredients. This trend means rock candy will keep evolving with cleaner labels.

Conclusion

Rock candy continues to charm generations with its beauty, simplicity, and sweetness. From homemade crafts to gourmet shops, it remains a favorite across the United States. Whether you’re enjoying it at a fair or sweetening your tea, rock candy proves that simple pleasures never go out of style.