Description
Sweet crystals of homemade rock candy sparkle with sugary magic, promising a delightful journey through childhood memories. Crystal-clear strands of pure sugar delight invite you to savor a simple yet enchanting treat that connects generations through its pure, nostalgic charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (600 g) white granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
Flavoring:
- 1–2 teaspoons flavoring
Equipment:
- Wooden skewer or cotton string
- Clothespin or pencil
- Clean glass jar
- Sauce pan
Instructions
- Prepare sugar-coated sticks by moistening wooden skewers or lollipop sticks with water, then carefully rolling them in granulated sugar. Allow these “seed crystal” sticks to dry completely overnight, ensuring optimal crystal formation.
- Create sugar syrup by heating water in a large pot over medium temperature. Gradually incorporate sugar, stirring consistently until fully dissolved. Maintain a gentle boil, carefully monitoring the mixture’s consistency and avoiding rapid heating.
- Remove sugar solution from heat and allow it to cool for approximately 20 minutes. Cooling prevents potential glass container damage and promotes proper crystal development.
- Warm glass containers with hot water to prevent thermal shock when adding hot sugar solution. This precautionary step ensures jar integrity during the crystallization process.
- Gently transfer cooled sugar solution into prepared jars. Add desired flavor extracts or food coloring at this stage, stirring delicately to distribute evenly throughout the liquid.
- Suspend prepared sugar-coated sticks in the solution using clothespins, ensuring they remain centered without touching jar sides or bottom. Proper positioning is crucial for optimal crystal growth.
- Position jars in a stable, undisturbed location for 3-5 days. Monitor crystal formation periodically, using a fork to break any thin sugar layers that develop on the surface.
- Carefully extract crystallized sticks from jars once desired crystal size is achieved. Allow candies to air dry for approximately 4 hours, creating a beautiful, sweet treat ready for enjoyment.
Notes
- Create a stable seed layer by thoroughly coating wooden skewers with sugar, ensuring better crystal formation and smoother rock candy texture.
- Use filtered or distilled water for clearer, more uniform sugar crystals and prevent impurities from disrupting crystal growth.
- Maintain consistent room temperature around 70-75°F during crystallization process to optimize sugar crystal development and prevent premature hardening.
- Prep Time: 3 days
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 100 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 100 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg