English Taffy Candy

Introduction

English taffy is a classic, chewy confection perfect for those with a sweet tooth. It’s made by cooking sugar and syrup to a high temperature and then aerating the candy by pulling it, which gives it its light and stretchy texture. Whether you flavor it with vanilla or experiment with other flavors and colors, this nostalgic treat is both fun to make and enjoy with friends or family.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Sugar: 2 cups (granulated)
• Corn syrup: 1 cup
• Butter: 2 tbsp (unsalted)
• Water: 1/2 cup
• Salt: 1/4 tsp
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (or other flavorings like mint or lemon)
• Food coloring: Optional, for customizing the look

Equipment:

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Candy thermometer
• Wooden spoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Butter (for greasing hands and tools)

Instructions

1. Preparation:
   • Grease a baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper.
   • Butter your hands to prevent sticking when handling the taffy later.
2. Cooking:
   • In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, and salt.
   • Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
   • Attach a candy thermometer and stop stirring. Let the mixture boil until it reaches 250–270°F (the hard-ball stage).
3. Adding Flavors:
   • Once removed from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and food coloring (if using).
4. Cooling:
   • Pour the mixture onto the greased baking sheet. Allow it to cool slightly until safe to handle.
5. Pulling:
   • Butter your hands again and start pulling the taffy. Stretch, fold, and repeat until the taffy becomes shiny and stiff (about 10–15 minutes).
6. Shaping:
   • Roll the taffy into ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces with greased scissors.
   • Wrap each piece in wax paper to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Making English taffy at home is a delightful experience that combines the art of candy-making with a touch of nostalgia. The process of pulling the taffy is not just essential for its texture but also a fun activity to share. Once wrapped and stored properly, taffy can last for weeks, making it a perfect treat for gifting or enjoying later. Remember to experiment with flavors and colors to make it uniquely yours!

For more details, visit the full recipe

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