Salt Water Taffy

I have always been intimidated by the thought of making homemade candy. It seems like a very technical endeavor…candy thermometers, specific temperatures and stirring times…I don’t do well with details like that! But yesterday I was cleaning out the pantry and found a bottle of corn syrup. Since my hospital bag is packed, the house is clean and I’m sitting around waiting to go into labor, I figured why not. I took the plunge…and the results were DELICIOUS. Even if they aren’t much to look at, you really should try making these some time!

1 cup sugar
2 TBSP. cornstarch
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
2 TBSP. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. flavoring extract (I used vanilla because that was all I had on hand)
3-5 drops food coloring (I didn’t use any)

In saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Stir in corn syrup, water, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture boils and sugar is completely dissolved. Continue cooking, without stirring, to 260 degrees or hard-ball stage. (This is the part I fudged a little. I just sort of guessed because I don’t have a thermometer. It is a completely random happy accident that my candy turned out well!) Remove from heat. After boiling has ceased, stir in flavoring and coloring. Pour onto lightly greased cookie sheet. Let stand until cool enough to handle. (Now here comes the fun part! It’s like playing with Play Doh!) Grease hands and pull until it has a satin-like finish and light color. Cut into 1 inch pieces. Wrap in waxed paper. (I used plain old plastic wrap). Makes about 1 pound.