Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon coconut extract
- 1 tablespoon pineapple extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- Yellow food coloring (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Candy thermometer
- Wax paper
- Cooking spray
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with wax paper and spray with cooking spray.
2. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves.
3. Once sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Insert a candy thermometer and cook until the temperature reaches 260°F (hard ball stage).
4. Remove from heat and stir in coconut and pineapple extracts, butter, and shredded coconut. Add yellow food coloring if desired.
5. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
6. Once cool enough to handle, butter your hands and begin pulling the taffy until it becomes light in color and firm.
7. Stretch the taffy into long ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces with scissors.
8. Wrap each piece in wax paper and store in an airtight container.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- 260°F (hard ball stage)
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 50 pieces of taffy
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 60
- Total fat: 1g
- Total carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened, but it will make the taffy sweeter.
- If you don't have pineapple extract, you can use pineapple juice instead.
Variations:
- You can add chopped macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian twist.
- Use different food coloring to match the flavor (pink for strawberry, green for lime, etc.)
Tips and tricks:
- Butter your hands well before pulling the taffy to prevent sticking.
- Work quickly when pulling the taffy, as it will become harder to pull as it cools.
- If the taffy is too sticky, sprinkle powdered sugar on your hands and the taffy.
Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
- Taffy can become hard if left out for too long. To soften it up, microwave for 5-10 seconds or place in a plastic bag with a slice of bread overnight.
Presentation ideas:
- Place taffy in a decorative jar or tin for a cute gift idea.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle extra shredded coconut on top of the taffy for added texture.
Pairings:
- Serve with fresh pineapple slices for a tropical treat.
Suggested side dishes:
- This taffy makes a great dessert on its own, but you could also serve it with a scoop of coconut ice cream.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the taffy is too hard, you may have cooked it for too long. Try cooking it to a lower temperature next time.
- If the taffy is too soft, you may not have cooked it long enough. Make sure to reach the hard ball stage before removing from heat.
Food safety advice:
- Be careful when working with hot sugar, as it can cause serious burns.
Food history:
- Salt water taffy originated in Atlantic City in the late 1800s. The name comes from the taffy being made with salt water from the ocean.
Flavor profiles:
- This taffy has a sweet and tropical flavor, with hints of coconut and pineapple.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a sweet treat after a summer barbecue or luau.
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