Sweet Treats: Making Homemade Candy (YUM!)
Ok, just a little heads up. I’m a big Willy Wonka fan. It will forever be my favorite childhood movie. My kids had no choice but to love it too. My oldest was even an Oompa Loompa for Halloween one year. Poor kid actually thought it was his idea. With those wonderful memories I thought why not live out one of my greatest movies and try and be Mr. Willy Wonka myself and do some homemade candy making of my own. With Halloween just around the corner and the gift giving holiday season approaching. Let’s try it! It’s a great way to make gifts that show you care. I’ve found some easy recipes that are perfect for anyone who want to give homemade candy making a try.
These recipes are quick to prepare and great for beginners. Some are so simple like chocolate lollipops and chocolate bars. With just a few candy making supplies you can have amazing gifts for the holidays. For those who want to try more, candy recipes peanut brittle and toffee are good choices.
Homemade candy recipes let you add your own twist, like sea salt or peppermint toppings. Using your imagination as the key ingredient is the way to your golden ticket.
These homemade sweets are perfect for satisfying a candy lover. Weather its hard candy, caramel candies or chocolate treats, the time and effort that goes into making them is the greatest gift. Let’s start making our own sweet treats!
The Joy of Homemade Candies
A Labor of Love and Sense of Accomplishment
Making homemade candy is a true labor of love. It gives you a deep sense of accomplishment. You can make thoughtful, personalized gifts for friends and family.
The end result is often more rewarding than store-bought candies. Candy making is also educational and exciting. It’s great for bringing the family together. There is something for everyone to enjoy.
As my kids get older, they don’t want to spend as much time with mom as they used to. But when I start to make candy its funny how they all manage to gravitate back to the kitchen. They say they don’t want to help but they can’t seem to stop themselves from diving in. Whether they want to add different flavors together, try a different candy making techniques or just be the taste tester. Its heartwarming to have us all come together.
The joy of homemade candies comes with pride and a sense of accomplishment. You feel proud when you master a new technique or create a delicious treat. It’s a hands-on activity that engages your senses. The kids always joked about keeping everything for themselves. But I love to watch the looks on their faces while waiting for our friends and family to taste a bite. It is true satisfaction seeing a person enjoy something you created special for them.
From the aroma of melting chocolate to the satisfying crunch of toffee, every step is special. Each step lets you hone your skills and express your creativity.
The joy of homemade candies is in the journey, not just the final product. It’s a labor of love that captures the essence of heartfelt, handcrafted gifts.
“The joy of homemade candies is not just in the final product, but in the journey itself – a labor of love that captures the essence of heartfelt, handcrafted gifts.”
Making Homemade Candy
If you’re new to candy making, don’t worry! There are many easy and tasty recipes for you. You can make quick chocolate lollipops or chocolate bars, classic peanut butter cups, peanut brittle, caramels and tootsie rolls. These are great for making gifts for family and friends.
So, why not try making homemade sweets?
Easy Recipes for Beginners
Chololate lollipops and chocolate bars are easy and fun for kids of all ages. Just pick your molds and buy some melting chocolate in any flavor and color you like. Melt your chocolate poor into you molds and put in the freezer to harden. For years these where a staple in my house for every birthday. Now we do Halloween pumpkin bars and Christmas bars too.
peanut brittle needs 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Heat it to 310°F for 10 minutes, then add peanuts and pour it on a baking sheet. After it cools, you get a crunchy, sweet treat.
Chocolate bark is also easy to make. Melt chocolate, spread it on a parchment-lined sheet, and add toppings like nuts or dried fruit. Let it set, break it, and you have another tasty treat.
If you want to try your hand at something a little more involved these are some of my favorites.
- Tootsie Rolls-Bring 6 Tbsp. of cocoa powder, 2Tbsp. of butter and 1/2 cup of corn syrup to a boil stir in 1Tbsp of vanilla and 3/4 cup powdered milk. Remove from heat. In increments add 3 cups powdered sugar. It will become difficult to mix as you add use powder sugar to knead the dough. You want it smooth but not crumbly. If it is too sticky use cooking spray on hands. When it is smooth roll into rolls and cut as desired. Refrigerate on wax paper to set and then wrap them as you like.
- Peanut Butter Cups–Mix 1/2 cup peanut butter with 2 1/2Tbsp. of unsalted butter and 3 1/2Tbsp of confection sugar and set aside. Prep a muffin tin with liner(I like to use the mini ones). In a microwave safe bowl melt 2 cups melting chocolate 20 sec. at a time stiring in between. Once melted put enough chocolate in the bottom of each muffin to coat. Add your peanut butter filling then top with more chocolate. You can tap the muffin tin gently to level out the peanut butter cups and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least an hour and enjoy!
- Caramels-Prep a loaf pans typically 9×5 with cooking spray, line with parchment paper enough to have an overhang to pull out later, then grease the parchment paper and set aside. Cut up 1/2 Cup of butter and add it to a microwave safe bowl with 1/2cup of heavy whipping cream then set aside. Heat 1/4cup light corn syrup with 3Tbsp of water and 1cup sugar in a saucepan on Med. (If you can get a hold of Golden Syrup instead of light corn syrup its even better). When the mixture boils put a lid on for a minute to create steam this will help get any sugar that got stuck on the side of the pot. Now you need your candy thermometer. You want your sugar to reach 320°F. when it does take your butter mixture and add it in small doses stirring in between to combine. Be careful this can get hot and messy. Keep cooking until temp gets back up to 240° F. Pour into prepared loaf pan let it cool 15min. and sprinkle with sea salt. Now cool completely, at least 3 hours, remove from pan by lifting up the parchment paper. If the caramel is too soft put in the fridge to set. Cut and wrap individual pieces as desired.
- Marshmallows- Grease a 9inch baking pan with Crisco and confection sugar. To a standard mixer add 1/2cup of water and 2 envelopes of gelatin leave to hydrate. Meanwhile add 1/2cup of water, 1 1/2cups granulated sugar and light corn syrup to a suacepan and bring to a boil stirring over medium heat. Now stop stirring and add candy thermometer and remove from heat when mixture reaches 240°F. Add a whisk attachment to your mixer and turn on slow speed. Pour your hot mixture carefully into your gelatin by using the side of the bowl too temper the mixture a bit. Gradually increase your speed to high and mix for 3-5 min. At this point add in your flavor of choice. (Get creative here add your own personal touch even liquor works;). Usually, it is 2tsp of Vanilla. If mixture is able to form a ribbon when whisk is removed, you are done. Pour marshmallow into your prepared pan. It will be sticky so grease or wet your hands. Smooth out top and walk away. This takes time leave it at room temperature for a good 4-6 hours. Carefully remove from pan onto an area coated with confection sugar. Cut as desired, dip into more powdered sugar and store in air tight container.
“The only thing that will make a soufflé fall is if it knows you’re afraid of it.” – James Beard
Mastering the Art of Candy Making
Essential Tools and Techniques
As you get better at making candy, you’ll need to learn about important tools and methods. A candy thermometer is very important. It helps make sure your sugar is at the right temperature for hard candies and caramel making.
Learning to temper chocolate right will make your dipped treats shiny and snappy.
Getting the right texture is key for soft candies. To make caramel perfectly, you need to avoid crystals and get the temperature just right. The soft ball stage is best for fudge and fondant, while hard ball is for nougats and marshmallows.
| Candy Stage | Temperature Range | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Ball | 235-245°F | Fudge, Fondant |
| Hard Ball | 250-265°F | Nougats, Marshmallows |
| Soft Crack | 270-290°F | Taffy |
| Hard Crack | 300-310°F | Hard Candies, Brittles |
Remember, the temperature and humidity around you matter a lot. They can change how your candies turn out. Do keep candies in airtight containers. Hard candies last longer than soft ones. With the right tools and skills, you’ll soon be a pro at candy making.
“Homemade candy is a thoughtful and personal gift that allows you to share a little bit of yourself with the people you care about.”
Whether you’re new or experienced, making holiday candy is rewarding. It lets you create special gifts that will be loved.
Making Homemade Candy: A Gift-Giving Tradition
The world of homemade candy is full of exciting flavors and types. You can make candies with chocolate and peanut butter or try new things like citrus and spices. There are so many options, like fruit-based candies, caramels, and chocolate-dipped treats.
Homemade candy is a thoughtful gift. It’s personal and special. You can make lots of it to share with friends and family. Wrapping it in festive tins or bags makes it even more special. Giving candy gifts is a way to share your love and cooking skills.
When you start making candy, get creative and make it your own. Let your imagination run wild and make candies that are just right for you. Making homemade candies is all about trying new things and finding what you love. So, start your journey to find the perfect DIY treats for you and your friends. I hope you find new and exciting flavors and ideas to try and share with us.
