How to Make Your Own Corn Syrup From Scratch
Corn syrup is traditionally made from corn starch. It is used as a sweetener, a thickener, and a food binder, and is often called for in candy recipes (such as fudge), flavored syrups (such as cocoa syrups), and in pies (such as pecan pie). You can easily make your own corn syrup at home. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
- Salt
- Pot
- Wooden spoon
- 1/8 tsp. lemon juice
- Lid
- Candy thermometer
- Glass measuring cup
- Air tight container
Instructions
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1
Place 2 cups of granulated white sugar, 3/4 cups of tap water, 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar, and a dash of salt into a sugar pot (if you do not have a sugar pot, any heavy-bottomed pot will do). Stir the ingredients together over medium-high heat with a wooden spoon.
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2
Stir in 1/8 tsp. of lemon juice to help keep the sugar from crystallizing. Bring to a boil.
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3
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan with a lid. Allow the mixture to simmer for about three minutes.
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4
Remove the lid and allow the mixture to continue to simmer while stirring frequently.
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5
Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. You want the temperature to reach 235 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the soft-ball candy stage. If you do not have a candy thermometer, test the temperature by dropping a small amount of the sugar mixture into a cup of cold water. Use your fingers to test the consistency of it. It should feel soft while still holding its shape.
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6
Cool the mixture once it has reached 235 degrees Farenheit by either submerging the bottom of the pan in cold water or pouring the mixture into a glass measuring cup to stop the sugar mixture from continuing to cook.
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7
Store the homemade corn syrup in an airtight container for up to two months.
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Tips & Warnings
A sugar pot is a pot designed specifically for cooking sugar and making syrups. It is traditionally made of copper and is especially responsive to heat.
