Hard Tack Candy

We make a ton of flavors of this candy around Christmas, some to keep some to give away. There are only a handful of ingredients in this candy recipe. It is so much easier with helpers and more fun. Even though it might sound difficult, it’s not as hard as it seems. And don’t let the caution persuade you against trying this recipe. It’s fairly simple–-just be careful, and enjoy!

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: varies depending on size probably about 50 small pieces

Prep Time: 10 mins   Cook Time: 20-30 mins  

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1 cup water
*1 dram of flavoring ( = 1 teaspoon), your choice
4 drops of food coloring, your choice
powdered sugar
*lately I have been using 2 drams of flavoring because 1 hasn’t had that strong of a taste

Directions

Put the first three ingredients in a saucepan and stir until well mixed. Put over medium heat. Stirring constantly, use a candy thermometer, and boil to 300 degrees. While candy boils, grease two plates very well with butter (or margarine) and put about 2 cups (have more close by just in case you run low) of powdered sugar in a big bowl beside the plates. Have flavoring and food coloring close by. When the candy reaches 300-degrees, turn the heat off and take the thermometer out quickly. Add about 4 drops of food coloring and flavoring. Stir quickly to mix (right now it is probably smelling very strong but don’t worry) and then pour on the plates. As the candy cools slightly it starts to get workable, cut off hunks with a knife and roll in between your hands into “snakes” — CAUTION: THE CANDY IS STILL VERY HOT. YOU HAVE TO WORK QUICKLY OTHERWISE YOU MIGHT BURN YOUR HANDS. After you make a “snake” cut off bite-size pieces with scissors, then drop into powdered sugar and stir around. Repeat until all candy is in powdered sugar. (See how having helpers will make things easier.) When done, take out of sugar and shake as much excess off as possible. (I scoop out the candy into a strainer and shake over the bowl so I can re-use the sugar if I make another batch that same day.) Put on wax paper to set completely then store in jars.

Categories: Candy, Gift Basket Goodies, Old-Fashioned

Submitted by: murphy on March 12, 2011