Hard Candy Christmas: Making Homemade Cracked Glass Candy


The holidays bring out the inner baker in all of us…what’s Christmas without homemade cookies, right? From pecan pie to grandma’s fruit cake and everything in between, there is no shortage of delicious homemade goodies, and it’s fun to share them as gifts with friends, family, coworkers and others. The only thing about baked goods is they do have a shorter shelf life, so once you make them, you must distribute them quickly. 
I love the idea of passing out creatively packaged homemade treats, but personally, I was never able to get baked goods out fast enough (at least without half of them being eaten by my family first!). Over the years, I have enjoyed others homemade candy, but always thought it would be too messy or too much trouble to make. Last year I broke down and decided to try my hand at making it, and guess what? It’s super easy and fun!
What’s more, you can really have fun packaging it up making for great gift presentation. I like to get storage jars, fill with candy and add a chalk board like sticker (available at most craft stores) with a personal message. Additionally, there are many flavors available and the different colors show beautifully through the clear glass jars. I must say; cinnamon red is my favorite for Christmastime.
Want to try it for yourself? Here’s what you will need:
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light Karo syrup
1 cup water
1 tsp. flavoring
Food coloring
Powdered (confectioners) Sugar
Candy thermometer (available in most grocery and discount stores)
Mix all ingredients in a pot on the stove top. Using the candy thermometer, heat to 300 degrees (hard crack). Remove from heat, and add flavor and coloring. Pour onto wax/parchment paper lined pan to cool (I like to spray paper lightly with cooking oil for easier removal). Once cooled, dust with powdered (confectioners) sugar and break into bite sized pieces.
Want to make a larger batch? Just double the recipe. Add your own personal touch with packaging and pass out to friends and family. One word of caution, if you pass out homemade candy this year, don’t be surprised when people are expecting it again next year!
Christi Wickliffe-Bessinger
Advertising & Marketing Manager
Garden City Realty, Inc.

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