Things You'll Need
1 candy stone or rock sugar crystal
1 cup boiling water
3 cups sugar
Food coloring (optional)
1/4 tsp. flavoring oil (optional)
1 quart mixing bowl
Tall glass container
Paper towel or coffee filter
Candy stones, also known as rock candy, is an old-fashioned treat made with two ingredients; water and sugar. Flavor and color the candy stones, if you prefer, with food coloring and flavoring oil. The most common way to make this candy is with a bamboo skewer or string. A seed crystal placed at the bottom of a container acts as the base. As the water evaporates, the sugar forms more crystals on the seed crystal.
Step 1
Add 3 cups of granulated sugar to 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves. If you have some sugar crystals left at the bottom of the bowl, this means the water is completely saturated with the sugar.
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Step 2
Add 2 or 3 drops of food coloring, if you desire a colored candy stone. Add 1/4 tsp. of flavoring oil, if you prefer a flavored candy.
Step 3
Place the seed candy stone in the center of the tall glass jar. Slowly pour the sugar solution into the jar. Use a spoon to recenter the seed crystal.
Step 4
Place the jar in an area where it will not be disturbed for at least a week. Cover the jar with a paper towel or coffee filter so the water can evaporate and to keep dust out of the solution.
Step 5
Leave the jar undisturbed for at least a week. Check the growth of the crystals. Allow the water to completely evaporate from the jar. Crystals may form around the sides, as well as the bottom of the jar. Once the water has evaporated, remove the candy stones and allow them to dry on a paper towel.
Warning
Oil from your hands or other contaminants keep crystals from forming. Make certain your hands and the utensils are clean.
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