Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Candy thermometer
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Candy molds or wax paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves.
2. Once sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Insert a candy thermometer and continue to cook until the temperature reaches 260°F (hard ball stage).
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter, salt, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using).
4. Pour mixture into a non-stick sprayed surface and let cool until it's comfortable to handle.
5. Grease your hands with non-stick cooking spray and start pulling the taffy until it becomes lighter in color and harder to pull.
6. Once the taffy has been pulled, roll it into long ropes and cut into small pieces. You can use candy molds or wax paper to shape the taffy.
7. Dust with powdered sugar and store in an airtight container.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
5. Temperature:
260°F (hard ball stage)
Serving size:
Makes about 50 pieces of taffy
Nutritional information:
Serving size: 1 piece
Calories: 60
Total fat: 1g
Sodium: 40mg
Total carbohydrates: 13g
Sugars: 13g
Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Light corn syrup can be substituted with honey or golden syrup.
- Vanilla extract can be substituted with other flavorings such as peppermint or almond extract.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for a crunchy texture.
- Use different food coloring to create a rainbow of taffy colors.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup as it can cause severe burns.
- Use non-stick cooking spray to prevent the taffy from sticking to your hands.
- Pull the taffy quickly and firmly to create a chewy texture.
Storage instructions:
Store taffy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
If the taffy becomes hard, place it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it.
Presentation ideas:
Wrap individual pieces of taffy in wax paper or cellophane bags for a cute presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle sea salt on top of the taffy for a salty-sweet flavor.
Pairings:
Serve taffy with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa.
Suggested side dishes:
Taffy is a sweet treat that can be enjoyed on its own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the taffy is too soft, it may not have been cooked to the correct temperature.
- If the taffy is too hard, it may have been overcooked or pulled too much.
Food safety advice:
Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup as it can cause severe burns.
Food history:
Salt water taffy originated in the late 1800s in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The name "salt water" comes from the fact that the candy was made using salt water from the ocean.
Flavor profiles:
Classic vanilla salt water taffy has a sweet and creamy vanilla flavor with a hint of saltiness.
Serving suggestions:
Serve taffy as a sweet treat after dinner or as a snack throughout the day.
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