Ah, old fashioned Christmas candy! Just the thought of it takes me back to cozy afternoons in the kitchen, the scent of sugar and peppermint wafting through the air. There’s something so magical about making these nostalgic sweets during the holidays, isn’t there? They’re not just treats; they’re little bites of joy that remind us of simpler times spent with family and friends. Whether you’re hanging ornaments on the tree or wrapping gifts, these homemade candies bring an extra sprinkle of cheer to the season. Trust me, once you make a batch of old fashioned Christmas candy, you’ll want to share them with everyone, and maybe even keep a few for yourself! They’re perfect for gifting or simply indulging in while curled up with a holiday movie. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Ingredients List

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon food coloring (red or green)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, finely chopped)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

How to Prepare Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Let’s get started! In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of light corn syrup, and 1 cup of water. Make sure you’re using a sturdy pan because we’re going to be cooking this mixture over medium heat. Stir everything together gently until the sugar is fully dissolved. This is crucial to avoid any gritty texture later on—trust me, you want that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth experience!

Step 2: Dissolve and Boil

Once the sugar has dissolved, it’s time to bring the mixture to a boil. Don’t stir it now; just let it do its thing! Keep an eye on it as it bubbles away, and use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. We’re aiming for the hard ball stage, which is 250°F (121°C). This step is key to achieving that perfect candy texture, so be patient and resist the urge to stir!

Step 3: Flavor and Color

When your mixture reaches 250°F, remove it from the heat. Now, here comes the fun part—add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. The aroma will be heavenly! Then, gently stir in your food coloring. If you want that festive red or green, just a few drops will do. Mix until the color is evenly distributed, and your candy is looking as festive as the holiday spirit!

Step 4: Pour and Cool

Next, carefully pour your hot mixture onto a greased marble slab or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be cautious here; it’s hot! Allow it to cool slightly—just until you can handle it without burning your fingers. This cooling time is important because you want it to be pliable enough to knead but not so hot that it burns you!

Step 5: Shape and Finish

Now it’s time to shape your candy! Knead the cooled mixture until it’s smooth and shiny. Once you’ve got that perfect texture, you can either shape it into small pieces by hand or use a knife to cut it into squares. Don’t forget to dust your candies with a little powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together. And voilà! You’ve just made your very own old fashioned Christmas candy. Enjoy the sweet rewards of your labor!

Nutritional Information

Before we dig into the deliciousness, let’s talk nutrition! Just a quick note: the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. But hey, that’s part of the fun of homemade treats, right? Here’s a typical breakdown for one piece of this delightful old fashioned Christmas candy:

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

So, while you’re enjoying these sweet bites, remember to savor every moment! They’re a delightful indulgence that captures the holiday spirit, even if they’re not the healthiest choice. Moderation is key, especially when it comes to candy, but who can resist a little nostalgia during the holidays?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a *quick* and easy recipe, perfect for busy holiday schedules!
• Brings back *nostalgic flavors* that remind you of childhood Christmases.
• Making old fashioned Christmas candy is a fun activity to do with family or friends.
• You get to customize flavors and colors, making it *uniquely yours*.
• It’s a delightful way to share the joy of the holidays with loved ones—perfect for gifting!
• Homemade candy has a *special charm* that store-bought just can’t match.
• Watch the smiles on everyone’s faces when they taste your delicious creations!

Tips for Success

Making old fashioned Christmas candy is a delightful process, but a few insider tips can take your candy from good to *outstanding*! Here are some of my favorite pro tips to help ensure your candy turns out perfect every time:

• Use a candy thermometer: This is crucial for reaching that exact hard ball stage at 250°F (121°C). Without it, you might end up with too soft or too hard candy, and nobody wants that!
• Don’t rush the sugar dissolving: Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved before you let it boil. Stir gently and patiently to avoid any gritty texture. If you see granules, just keep stirring until it’s smooth!
• Watch the temperature closely: Once you reach a boil, resist the urge to stir—it can cause crystallization. Just let it bubble away, but keep a close eye on that thermometer!
• Have your workspace ready: Prepare your greased marble slab or baking sheet ahead of time. Once your mixture is ready, you’ll need to pour it out quickly before it starts cooling and hardening.
• Cool before kneading: Let the candy cool enough so you can handle it, but not too long that it hardens completely. You’ll want it warm and pliable for the best results when kneading.
• Dust generously with powdered sugar: This not only adds a lovely finish but also keeps your candies from sticking together. Nobody likes a clumpy candy!
• Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Try different extracts or even add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist. The flavor possibilities are endless!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create some truly magical old fashioned Christmas candy. Happy candy-making!

Variations

One of the best parts about making old fashioned Christmas candy is how versatile it can be! While the classic version is delightful on its own, here are some fun variations to keep things exciting and cater to different tastes:

• Chocolate Peppermint: Melt some semi-sweet or dark chocolate and swirl it into the mixture just before pouring it out. This adds a rich chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with the peppermint!
• Cinnamon Spice: Swap out the peppermint extract for cinnamon extract. Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to the mixture for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for winter!
• Nutty Delight: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, directly into the candy mixture. This adds a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
• Seasonal Citrus: Brighten things up with a splash of orange or lemon extract instead of peppermint. You can even add a bit of zest for an extra zing!
• Rainbow Colors: Instead of just red or green, divide the mixture and use multiple colors of food coloring. Swirl them together for a festive rainbow effect that’s sure to impress!
• Gingerbread Spice: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger, nutmeg, and allspice to the mix for a delightful gingerbread flavor. It’s like Christmas in every bite!

Feel free to experiment and have fun with these variations! Each twist brings its own charm to the old fashioned Christmas candy, making it a delightful treat for everyone. So go ahead, get creative, and let your taste buds guide you!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve made your delicious old fashioned Christmas candy, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh for as long as possible. Here’s how to properly store it and enjoy it later:

First things first, let your candy cool completely before you store it. Once it’s cool, place your candies in an airtight container. This will help keep them from getting sticky and preserve that delightful texture. You can layer the candies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together, especially if you’ve made a big batch!

Store your container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. They’ll last for about two weeks at room temperature, so you can enjoy them throughout the holiday season. If you want to keep them longer, you can also refrigerate them, but be aware that the texture might change slightly. Just let them come to room temperature before indulging again.

As for reheating, there’s really no need for that with these candies! They’re best enjoyed as is. Just pop one in your mouth and let that sweet flavor transport you back to those cozy holiday moments. So, go ahead, store them safely, and savor the joy of your homemade old fashioned Christmas candy whenever the craving hits!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve crafted your delightful old fashioned Christmas candy, let’s talk about how to elevate the holiday experience even more! Pairing these sweet treats with the right accompaniments can truly enhance the festive atmosphere. Here are some of my favorite suggestions:

• Hot Cocoa: What’s better than a cozy mug of rich, creamy hot cocoa to sip on while enjoying your candy? The chocolatey goodness pairs perfectly with the sweet peppermint flavors!
• Eggnog: For a classic holiday twist, serve your candy alongside a glass of spiced eggnog. The creamy, nutmeg-infused drink complements the sugary sweetness beautifully.
• Gingerbread Cookies: Create a festive platter by adding some homemade gingerbread cookies. The warm spices in the cookies harmonize with the peppermint candy, making for a delightful combination.
• Fruitcake: This traditional holiday treat can be a great pairing, bringing a fruity contrast to the sweetness of your candy. Plus, it adds a touch of nostalgia!
• Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, especially peppermint or chai, can be a soothing complement. The gentle flavors of the tea can balance the sweetness of the candy.
• Holiday Punch: Serve your candy with a festive holiday punch—something fruity and refreshing! It adds a splash of color and fun to your dessert spread.

Don’t forget to set everything out on a beautiful platter for that extra touch! The visual appeal of your treats, combined with these delightful pairings, will surely impress your friends and family. Enjoy every sweet moment together during this magical season!

Old Fashioned Christmas Candy: 7 Joyful Memories to Savor

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• Autor: Julia marin
• Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
• Ertrag: 2 dozen candies 1x
• Ernährung: Vegetarisch

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Beschreibung

A classic holiday treat that brings back nostalgic memories.

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Skala 1x2x3x

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon food coloring (red or green)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Anweisungen

1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a boil without stirring until it reaches the hard ball stage (250°F).
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and peppermint extract.
5. Add food coloring and stir until evenly mixed.
6. Pour onto a greased marble slab or baking sheet.
7. Let cool slightly, then knead until smooth.
8. Shape into small candies or cut into pieces.
9. Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Notes

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be made a week in advance.
• Experiment with different flavors or colors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
• Kategorie: Candy
• Methode: Stovetop
• Küche: American

Ernährung

• Portionsgröße: 1 piece
• Kalorien: 120
• Zucker: 25g
• Natrium: 5mg
• Fett: 0g
• Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 0g
• Ungesättigte Fette: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Kohlenhydrate: 30g
• Faser: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterin: 0mg

Keywords: old fashioned christmas candy, holiday treats, homemade candy, nostalgic sweets