Description
Indulging in homemade sweets often brings a sense of nostalgia, and nothing embodies this more than the delightful and chewy delight known as saltwater taffy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or other flavorings
- ½ teaspoon food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your workspace. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This will serve as the cooling area for your taffy and is an important step to prevent the candy from sticking to the surface. Ensure you have everything organized within reach to create a smooth cooking experience.
- In a medium saucepan, mix together the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Turn the heat to medium and stir the ingredients to dissolve the sugar fully. Monitoring the mixture closely is critical, as sugar can easily burn if left unattended. Continue stirring until you achieve a uniform consistency.
- Attach a candy thermometer to your saucepan. Once the mixture begins to boil, stop stirring and allow it to bubble until it reaches the soft-ball stage, which is approximately 240°F (115°C). This step is crucial, as achieving the right temperature will determine the texture of your taffy.
- Upon reaching the desired temperature, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Be cautious, as the mixture will be extremely hot. Stir in the butter along with your chosen flavoring extract. If you opt to use food coloring, this is the time to incorporate it, mixing thoroughly to blend the colors evenly throughout the mixture.
- Next, pour the hot candy mixture onto your lined baking sheet and let it cool for a few minutes, just enough to handle. Butter your hands thoroughly before beginning the fun part—pulling the taffy! Grab the candy with both hands and begin stretching it out, folding it over itself repeatedly. Pull and fold for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The taffy should transform to a lighter color and become firm to the touch.
- Once your taffy reaches the right consistency, shape it into a log. Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut it into bite-sized pieces. For an extra touch, you can brush a little butter on the sides of each piece to prevent sticking. Wrap each piece tightly in wax paper or parchment paper to preserve freshness and texture, and let them cool completely before enjoying!
Notes
Always double-check measurements for accuracy and ensure your thermometer is calibrated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy
Nutrition
- Calories: 70 kcal per piece
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Protein: 0 g