Hard Tack Candy Recipe Without Corn Syrup
Hard tack candy is a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of childhood. It's a popular snack that can be enjoyed all year round, but it's especially popular during the holidays. However, many hard tack candy recipes call for corn syrup, which is not everyone's cup of tea. Fortunately, you can make hard tack candy without corn syrup at home. In this article, we'll share with you a simple and easy-to-follow recipe that will help you create delicious hard tack candy without the use of corn syrup.
Ingredients
To make hard tack candy without corn syrup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup light-colored honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon flavoring extract (such as peppermint, cinnamon, or lemon)
- Food coloring (optional)
It's important to note that substituting honey for corn syrup will yield slightly different results. Honey is less viscous than corn syrup, so the candy will have a slightly softer texture. However, it will still taste delicious!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make hard tack candy without corn syrup:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar, water, honey, and cream of tartar.
- Cook the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Stop stirring and attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Cook the mixture until the candy thermometer registers 300°F (150°C), which is the hard crack stage.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the flavoring extract and food coloring (if using).
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Allow the candy to cool and harden at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- Break the candy into small pieces using a hammer or a rolling pin.
- Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months.
And that's it! You now have a batch of delicious hard tack candy that doesn't contain corn syrup.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect batch of hard tack candy:
- If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can test the candy by dropping a small amount into a glass of cold water. If the candy forms a hard, brittle ball, it's ready.
- Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup. It's extremely hot and can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with skin.
- If you want to make different flavors of hard tack candy, you can simply substitute the flavoring extract for a different flavor. You can also add different food coloring to create different colors.
- Hard tack candy can be a bit sticky. To prevent the candy from sticking together, you can dust it with a bit of cornstarch or powdered sugar.
Conclusion
Hard tack candy is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that's perfect for any occasion. By using this recipe, you can make hard tack candy without corn syrup, which is great for those who have dietary restrictions or simply don't like the taste of corn syrup. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a batch of delicious hard tack candy that will be enjoyed by everyone.