Candymaking Hints

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*** Candymaking Hints***

 

 

Here are a few sweet secrets for homemade confections delectable enough to give

as gifts.

 

* Flawless Fudge. For smooth, creamy fudge:

 

Spray the saucepan and the wooden spoon with nonstick cooking spray to prevent

sugar crystallization while cooking. Wait until after the mixture boils to add

the butter.

 

Once the mixture begins to boil, stir only occasionally. Use an accurate candy

thermometer - don't judge doneness solely on cooking times in the recipe.

 

 

For a festive touch, sprinkle the top of the fudge with colorful candies, nuts,

marshmallows, peanut butter chips, espresso beans, crushed peppermints or toffee

bits.

 

* Trouble-Free Toffee.

 

The number-one toffee pitfall is separation--that

is, when some of the butter separates from the mixture and leaves a slick, oily

layer on the surface of the toffee.

 

Separation most often happens when the heat is too high, or when the mixture is

stirred too much.

 

Be patient; toffee takes awhile to cook properly, so don't try to speed up the

process by cranking up the burner.

 

Only stir the mixture occasionally, to prevent burning, and always rinse off the

spoon before putting it back in the pot or the sugar crystals on the spoon may

cause the entire mixture to crystallize and turn grainy. If your toffee does

separate, keep cooking it and stir about 1/2 cup hot water into it, a few

tablespoons at a time, until it's smooth again.

 

* Pretty Packages.

 

When your candy is finished, wrap it up in beautiful

packages that do justice to their mouthwatering contents and spread the joy by

sharing it with friends and neighbors.

 

Lightweight cardboard boxes made especially for packaging confections, as well

as Chinese takeout-style boxes, are available in several colors at craft stores.

 

Tie these boxes with multiple colors of ribbon, and tie with candy canes, real

pine boughs, or jingle bells. Alternatively, arrange candy on a sturdy, colorful

cardboard or plastic plate, wrap with holiday-print cellophane or even a festive

kitchen towel, and tie with ribbon.

 

 

 

 

 

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My Special Thought To You:

If God Brings You To It, He'll Bring You Through It!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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