Introduction
The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of homemade cinnamon rock candy? This delightful confection is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight with its vibrant red color. Cinnamon rock candy offers a unique combination of sweetness and spice, making it an ideal addition to your holiday candy collection. Whether you’re making it as a gift or for your family to enjoy, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite.
Recipe
Cinnamon rock candy is a classic treat that brings back memories of holidays past. Its crystal-like appearance and bold cinnamon flavor make it stand out from other candies. This recipe is straightforward and requires only a few ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The candy is perfect for sharing with friends and family or as a festive addition to holiday dessert tables. With this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll be able to create a batch of cinnamon rock candy that will impress everyone who tastes it.
Ingredients
To make cinnamon rock candy, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1. Water: 1 cup
2. Granulated Sugar: 3 3/4 cups
3. Light Corn Syrup: 1 1/4 cups
4. Red Food Coloring: 1 teaspoon
5. Cinnamon Oil: 1-2 teaspoons (adjust according to desired spice level)
6. Powdered Sugar: 1 1/2 cups
7. Butter: Enough for greasing the pan
These ingredients come together to create a candy that is both sweet and spicy, with a striking appearance that makes it perfect for the holiday season.
Directions/Instructions
1. Prepare Your Workspace:
Begin by preparing your workspace. Grease a large baking sheet or a heat-resistant candy mold with butter to ensure the candy doesn’t stick. You may also want to line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal of the candy.
2. Mix Ingredients:
In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 3 3/4 cups of granulated sugar, and 1 1/4 cups of light corn syrup. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Bring to a Boil:
Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. You want the mixture to reach 300°F (hard crack stage). This process can take about 25-30 minutes, so be patient and avoid stirring once it starts boiling.
4. Add Flavor and Color:
Once the mixture reaches 300°F, remove it from the heat. Carefully add 1 teaspoon of red food coloring and 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon oil, depending on how spicy you want your candy to be. Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
5. Pour and Cool:
Quickly pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Tilt the sheet to spread the candy evenly. Be cautious, as the mixture will be extremely hot. Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature. This can take about 1-2 hours.
6. Break the Candy:
Once the candy has cooled and hardened, use a clean kitchen towel to cover the candy and a small hammer or the back of a spoon to break it into pieces. Aim for bite-sized shards that are easy to enjoy.
7. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
To prevent the pieces from sticking together, dust them with 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar. Toss the pieces gently to ensure they are evenly coated.
FAQ
1. Can I use cinnamon extract instead of cinnamon oil?
Cinnamon oil is recommended for this recipe because it provides a more intense flavor. However, if you only have cinnamon extract, you can use it, but you may need to increase the quantity to achieve the desired level of spice.
2. How do I store cinnamon rock candy?
Store your cinnamon rock candy in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep it in a cool, dry place to maintain its texture and flavor. Properly stored, the candy can last for several weeks.
3. Can I make this candy without a candy thermometer?
While it’s possible to make candy without a thermometer, it’s more challenging to achieve the right consistency. A candy thermometer ensures that you reach the hard crack stage, which is essential for the candy to set correctly.
4. What can I use if I don’t have corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent sugar crystallization, but if you don’t have it, you can try using honey or a sugar syrup made with sugar and water. Note that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Conclusion
Cinnamon rock candy is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of sugar with the warm, spicy kick of cinnamon. Its striking red color makes it a festive choice for holiday gatherings and gift-giving. By following this simple recipe, you can create a batch of candy that will impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or a beginner, this cinnamon rock candy is a fun and rewarding project. So gather your ingredients, prepare your workspace, and enjoy the process of making this delicious, holiday-ready candy.