Boiled Sugar Confections

Except for chocolates, a large proportion of old-fashioned candies are based on a boiled sugar solution. The background material and in this chapter prepare you to make the recipes that follow. In particular, review the material on boiling sugar syrups, including steps to avoid crystallization.

Hard candies are simply a flavored syrup boiled to the hard crack stage. Note that the recipe below is the same as for pulled sugar, with the addition of flavoring. Fancy candies, such as multicolored ribbon, can be made using the procedures for pulled sugar. Alternatively, simple candies can be made by preparing the candy through step 6 in the recipe procedure. Then roll the sugar to a uniform thickness with an oiled rolling pin and cut it into small squares with an oiled knife.