How to Make Old Fashioned Candy

A fun way to pass a winter afternoon or a long snow day is to make old-fashioned candy with your kids. Pulled candy is an old-fashioned favorite made by pioneer families, who didn't have access to store-bought sweets. Children will enjoy making this treat just as much as eating it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Butter or shortening to grease plates
• Plates (one for each person)
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Half cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Large saucepan
• Glass of water
• Spoon

Make the Candy Base

1. Grease plates with butter or shortening.

2. Mix brown sugar, molasses, water and vinegar in the saucepan.

3. Stir over high heat until the mixture comes to a boil.

4. Lower heat, and add one tablespoon of butter (no substitutes) and continue to stir for 10 more minutes.

5. Test the candy. It is ready when syrup dripped from a spoon into a glass of water forms a hard ball.

6. Pour candy mixture onto the buttered plate, and let cool for five minutes.

Pull the Candy

7. Grease your hands with butter or shortening.

8. Pull the cooled edges of the candy toward the center.

9. Pick up the candy and pull it to a foot in length, then press the ends together. Fold the candy over itself. Repeat this motion until the candy becomes stiff, but not brittle.

10. Twist the candy into a long rope and lay it on a greased counter top.

11. Cut into small pieces once it has completely cooled.

Tips & Warnings

• Modern cooks can skip step 5 by using a candy thermometer instead. The temperature of the candy should reach between 250-260 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Although this is a great kids project, making candy can be very dangerous and can lead to serious burns. An adult should always be present.

Resources

• The Vermont Country Store offers a huge selection of old-fashioned candy at reasonable prices.

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