Making Spun Sugar from Boiled Sugar Syrup

Spun sugar, or angel’s hair, is an ethereal sugar decoration made with sugar syrup boiled to a light caramel. The temperature of the sugar is important, so for best results, it is advisable to use a sugar thermometer. Spun sugar can be used for garnishing ice creams, desserts, festive cakes, and French choux confections such as croquembouche. It breaks very easily, and so it is shaped into loose nets or circles. It will keep only an hour or two because it quickly dissolves in moist air, so make it at the last possible moment.