Rock candy for kids
Rock Candy for Kids Recipe - How to Make Homemade Rock Candy | USA
Introduction
Rock candy is a classic and fun treat that kids love to make and eat. This simple recipe involves creating sugar crystals on a string, resulting in a sweet and crunchy candy that is perfect for snacking on or giving as a gift.
History
Rock candy has been enjoyed for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient times. It was originally made by boiling sugar and water together to create a syrup, which was then left to cool and crystallize. Over time, the recipe evolved to include adding a string or stick to the syrup to encourage crystal formation, resulting in the rock candy we know and love today.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- heavy cream
- 1 cup water
How to prepare
- 1. Put one cup of water into a small saucepan.
- 2. Pour 2 cups of granulated sugar into the water.
- 3. Heat the water and sugar on the stove over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar melts.
- 4. Continue adding sugar and stirring until it no longer dissolves in the water (when sugar is seen lying on the bottom of the saucepan).
- 5. Remove the pot from the stove and let the liquid cool until it is just warm.
- 6. Pour the liquid into a clean glass jar.
- 7. Tie one end of a piece of heavy cord around the middle of a pencil.
- 8. Place the pencil over the top of the glass jar, allowing the cord to fall into the liquid.
- 9. Crystals will begin to form in a few hours.
- 10. The next day, remove the cord from the jar and pour the sugar liquid back into the saucepan.
- 11. Reheat and cool the liquid as before.
- 12. Pour the liquid back into the jar and reinsert the cord with the crystals into it.
- 13. More crystals will form.
- 14. Repeat this procedure every day to allow the crystal candy to grow bigger and bigger.
- 15. When it has reached a size that pleases you, snip off any excess string and enjoy.
Variations
- Add food coloring to the sugar syrup to create colorful rock candy.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding extracts such as vanilla, peppermint, or lemon to the sugar syrup.
- Use different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, to create unique flavors of rock candy.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to stir the sugar and water mixture continuously while heating to ensure that the sugar fully dissolves.
- Allow the liquid to cool slightly before pouring it into the glass jar to prevent cracking.
- Make sure to use a clean glass jar to avoid any impurities that could affect the crystal formation.
- Patience is key when making rock candy, as it can take several days for the crystals to grow to the desired size.
Serving Suggestions
Serve rock candy as a fun and festive dessert at birthday parties, holidays, or special occasions. It also makes a great homemade gift for friends and family.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making rock candy is to slowly cool the sugar syrup to encourage crystal formation. Be patient and allow the crystals to grow over several days for the best results.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have granulated sugar on hand, you can use other types of sugar such as brown sugar or honey to make rock candy. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Make Ahead Tips
Rock candy can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. Be sure to keep it away from moisture to prevent the crystals from dissolving.
Presentation Ideas
Display rock candy on a decorative platter or in a glass jar for a festive and fun presentation. You can also package it in small bags or boxes to give as gifts.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair rock candy with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a sweet and satisfying treat. It also pairs well with fresh fruit or nuts for a balanced snack.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store rock candy in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent it from becoming sticky or melting. If the crystals start to dissolve, you can reheat the syrup and allow it to cool again to encourage more crystal growth.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of rock candy contains approximately 120 calories, making it a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of rock candy contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates, making it a sweet treat that provides a quick source of energy.
Fats
Rock candy is a fat-free treat, making it a guilt-free indulgence for kids and adults alike.
Proteins
Rock candy does not contain any protein, so be sure to pair it with a protein-rich snack or meal to balance out your nutritional intake.
Vitamins and minerals
While rock candy is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, it does provide a small amount of calcium and iron from the sugar used in the recipe.
Alergens
Rock candy is free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten, making it a safe option for those with food sensitivities.
Summary
Rock candy is a sweet and crunchy treat that is low in fat and provides a quick source of carbohydrates for energy. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
Rock candy is a simple and delicious treat that kids will love to make and eat. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a sweet and crunchy candy that is perfect for snacking on or giving as a gift. Enjoy this classic recipe and experiment with different flavors and colors to make it your own.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for rock candy. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, and my grandmother had taken me to visit her friend Martha. Martha was known for her incredible skills in the kitchen, and she had a special treat in store for us that day.
As we walked into Martha’s cozy kitchen, the sweet scent of sugar and vanilla filled the air. Martha greeted us with a warm smile and invited us to sit at her kitchen table. She then reached into a cabinet and pulled out a large pot filled with boiling water. I watched in awe as she poured in the sugar, stirring it slowly until it dissolved completely.
Next, Martha added in a few drops of food coloring and a splash of vanilla extract, giving the mixture a vibrant hue and a delightful aroma. She then carefully poured the hot sugar syrup into a glass jar, where it began to cool and crystallize.
Martha explained that this was the first step in making rock candy, a sweet treat that kids of all ages love to enjoy. She then showed us how to coat wooden skewers in sugar syrup and roll them in more sugar, creating a sugary shell that would harden into delicious candy crystals.
I was mesmerized by the process, and I couldn’t wait to try making rock candy for myself. Martha kindly offered to share her recipe with me, and I eagerly accepted. As she wrote down the ingredients and steps, I listened intently, soaking in every detail.
After our visit with Martha, my grandmother and I returned home, where we set to work making our own batch of rock candy. We followed Martha’s instructions carefully, boiling the sugar syrup, adding in the food coloring and vanilla, and coating the skewers in sugar.
As the candy crystals began to form on the skewers, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. I had learned a new recipe, and I couldn’t wait to share it with my friends and family.
Over the years, I continued to make rock candy for special occasions and gatherings. Each time, I would think back to that day in Martha’s kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of creating this sweet treat.
As I grew older, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different flavors and colors to create unique variations of rock candy. I would often make batches to give as gifts, delighting friends and loved ones with the homemade treats.
Now, as a grandmother myself, I take great joy in passing down the recipe for rock candy to my own grandchildren. I watch as they mix the ingredients, coat the skewers, and watch in anticipation as the candy crystals slowly form.
I see the same sense of amazement in their eyes that I felt all those years ago, and it warms my heart to know that this simple recipe has been passed down through generations, bringing joy and sweetness to all who taste it.
As I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents of sugar and vanilla, I can’t help but smile as I think of the memories and traditions that this recipe has brought into my life. And I am grateful for the lessons learned and the connections made through the simple art of cooking and sharing delicious food with those we love.