Desserts > Confectionery > Rock Candies

Vanilla Bean Rock Candy Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- Food coloring (optional)

Special equipment needed:
- Candy thermometer
- Parchment paper
- Candy molds (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and cream of tartar.
2. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the vanilla bean and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once the mixture reaches a boil, stop stirring and let it boil until it reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and add food coloring if desired.
6. Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into candy molds.
7. Let the candy cool and harden for at least an hour.
8. Once the candy has hardened, break it into small pieces or remove it from the molds.


Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
300°F
Serving size:
Makes about 1 pound of candy

Nutritional information:
Calories: 120 per serving
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 0mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Vanilla extract can be used instead of a vanilla bean.
- Lemon juice or white vinegar can be used instead of cream of tartar.

Variations:
- Use different food coloring to create different colors of candy.
- Add different flavors of extract, such as peppermint or almond.

Tips and tricks:
- Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup as it can cause burns.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the candy reaches the correct temperature.
- If the candy is too hard, add a few drops of water and reheat it until it reaches the desired consistency.

Storage instructions:
Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating instructions:
The candy does not need to be reheated.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the candy in a decorative jar or tin.

Garnishes:
Sprinkle the candy with edible glitter or sugar crystals.

Pairings:
Serve the candy with hot chocolate or tea.

Suggested side dishes:
This candy is a dessert and does not require a side dish.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the candy is too soft, it did not reach the correct temperature. Reheat it and try again.
- If the candy is too hard, it reached too high of a temperature. Add a few drops of water and reheat it until it reaches the desired consistency.

Food safety advice:
Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup as it can cause burns.

Food history:
Rock candy has been around for centuries and was originally used as a medicine.

Flavor profiles:
This candy has a sweet and vanilla flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the candy as a dessert or snack.

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Taste: Sweet, Vanilla, Sugary, Candy, Candy-Like