Description
Sweet and tangy old fashioned orange candy delights dessert enthusiasts with its nostalgic charm. Homemade treats blend citrusy zest and sugary perfection, offering you a delectable journey through classic confectionery memories.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Sweet Components:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup water
Flavor and Enhancement Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 cup orange zest (finely grated)
- 2 teaspoons orange extract
- Few drops of orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper and lightly coating with oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar in a heavy saucepan. Heat over medium temperature, stirring gently until sugar completely dissolves.
- Gradually increase heat to medium-high, allowing the mixture to boil without stirring. Monitor closely until the liquid reaches 300F to 310F, which typically takes 7-10 minutes.
- Immediately remove from heat source. Gently incorporate orange zest, orange extract, and optional food coloring, ensuring even distribution.
- Carefully transfer the molten mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a heat-resistant spatula to spread evenly into a thin, uniform layer.
- Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30-45 minutes.
- Once solidified, fracture the candy into irregular pieces by tapping with a hammer or the back of a sturdy spoon, creating rustic, bite-sized segments.
Notes
- Precision Matters Use a reliable candy thermometer to accurately hit the hard-crack stage, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and preventing sugar crystallization.
- Flavor Enhancement Consider using fresh orange zest for a more vibrant, authentic citrus taste that elevates the candy’s natural brightness.
- Safety First Work carefully when handling hot sugar syrup, as it can cause severe burns. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area and use long-handled utensils.
- Dietary Adaptations For a natural coloring option, replace artificial food coloring with a few drops of natural orange or carrot juice to maintain the classic orange hue while keeping the recipe more wholesome.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 118
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg