{"id":129901,"date":"2018-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-15T01:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/hard-candy\/"},"modified":"2024-09-09T22:48:52","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T03:48:52","slug":"hard-candy","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/hard-candy\/","title":{"rendered":"Hard Candy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Just how do you make hard candy? Here&#8217;s a hard candy recipe that will give you all the tips, tricks and variations to make homemade sweets. There&#8217;s an old-fashioned appeal in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/candy-recipes-to-eat-all-year\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/candy-recipes-to-eat-all-year\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">making your own candy<\/a>, not to mention, the sky&#8217;s the limit when it comes to flavor and color.<\/p>\n<p>And bonus, if it&#8217;s stored properly, it can last for weeks! Once you learn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-make-candy\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-make-candy\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">how to make hard candy<\/a>, you might want to try our chewy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/creamy-caramels\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/creamy-caramels\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">caramel candy recipe<\/a> too.<\/p>\n<h2>Ingredients for Hard Candy<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"recipe-ingredients__list recipe-ingredients__collection splitColumns\">\n<li><strong>Confectioners&#8217; sugar: <\/strong>Using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-make-powdered-sugar\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-make-powdered-sugar\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">confectioners&#8217; sugar<\/a> to coat the candy helps prevent sticking.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sugar and light corn syrup: <\/strong>These two sweeteners are melted together until they hit the ideal hard-crack temperature.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flavoring extract: <\/strong>This recipe calls for anise, lemon or orange extract, but you can use your favorite flavoring, along with a complementary food coloring, if you like.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Red, yellow or orange food coloring (optional):<\/strong> The liquid food coloring is not a recipe requirement, and if you&#8217;d prefer not to use it, don&#8217;t worry, the taste of your candy won&#8217;t be affected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Directions<\/h2>\n<h3>Step 1: Prepare the baking sheet<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2041553\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Hard-candy_TOHD24_7606_SarahTramonte_1.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Step 1 of Taste Recipes Hard Candy is to fill a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with confectioners' sugar to a depth of 1\/2 inch. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, drag it through the sugar to make a continuous curved-line indentation in the sugar\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Fill a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with confectioners&#8217; sugar to a depth of 1\/2 inch. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, drag it through the sugar to make a continuous curved-line indentation in the sugar. This will serve as a &#8220;mold&#8221; for your candy. Set the pan aside.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Melt the sugar<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2041552\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Hard-candy_TOHD24_7606_SarahTramonte_2.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Step 2 of Taste Recipes Hard Candy is to combine the sugar, corn syrup and water, then bring them to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover and continue cooking for three minutes without stirring, to dissolve any sugar crystals.\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>In a large, heavy-duty saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water, then bring them to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover and continue cooking for three minutes without stirring, to dissolve any sugar crystals.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Continue cooking the candy<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2041551\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Hard-candy_TOHD24_7606_SarahTramonte_3.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Step 3 of Taste Recipes Hard Candy is to continue boiling the syrup without stirring until a candy thermometer reaches 300\u00b0F (the hard-crack stage). Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the flavor extract and the food coloring (if desired).\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Uncover the pan and raise the heat to medium-high. Continue boiling the syrup without stirring until a candy thermometer reaches 300\u00b0F (the hard-crack stage). Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the flavor extract and the food coloring (if desired).<\/p>\n<h3>Step 4: Pour the candy into your &#8220;mold&#8221;<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2041550\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Hard-candy_TOHD24_7606_SarahTramonte_4.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Step 4 of Taste Recipes Hard Candy is to pour the mixture into a glass measuring cup with a spout. Working quickly, pour the syrup into the indentation in the prepared pan. Cover the candy with more confectioners' sugar. When the candy is just cool enough to handle, cut it into pieces with scissors.\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Carefully pour the mixture into a glass measuring cup with a spout. Working quickly, pour the syrup into the indentation in the prepared pan. Cover the candy with more confectioners&#8217; sugar. When the candy is just cool enough to handle, cut it into pieces with scissors.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2041548\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Hard-candy_TOHD24_7606_SarahTramonte_6.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Full yield of Taste Recipes Hard Candy in a bowl, cut pieces of wax paper, wrapping candy in wax paper\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Hard Candy Variations<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Experiment with flavors and colors: <\/strong>There are lots of different extracts and colors to use, and also flavoring oils that work well too, from fruits to peppermint and cinnamon.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Make lollipops:\u00a0<\/strong>You can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/candy\/lollipops\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/candy\/lollipops\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">make lollipops<\/a> with molds to give your candy a specific shape.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Score or crack it: <\/strong>Another way to shape candy is to lay aluminum foil on a baking sheet and dust it with confectioners&#8217; sugar. Pour the candy onto the foil and dust with more sugar. Either wait until it&#8217;s completely cool and shatter it into random pieces, or wait until it starts to cool and use a knife or pizza cutter to score the candy into even pieces. When it&#8217;s completely cool, crack it along the lines.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wrap it up: <\/strong>Wrap candy pieces in cellophane for individual hard candies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to Store Hard Candy<\/h2>\n<p>The most important factor in storing homemade hard candy is keeping moisture at bay. As soon as it&#8217;s completely cool, move it into an airtight container.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you make hard candy ahead of time?<\/h3>\n<p>Absolutely. If it&#8217;s stored properly, hard candy can be kept for weeks.<\/p>\n<h2>Hard Candy Tips<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2041547\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Hard-candy_TOHD24_7606_SarahTramonte_7.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"A few pieces of Taste Recipes Hard Candy wrapped in wax paper, scattered on the surface, one wrapper open\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>How can I keep hard candy from getting sticky?<\/h3>\n<p>It&#8217;s important to cook hard candy all the way to 300\u00b0 to make sure it hits the right stage. Powdered sugar helps keep candy from sticking together, as does storing it separated with waxed or parchment paper. Keep candy in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. You can also add a silica packet or two to the bottom of the container to help absorb any excess moisture. Avoid making candy when your kitchen is hot and humid.<\/p>\n<h3>Why is my hard candy grainy?<\/h3>\n<p>If sugar crystals are reintroduced to the melted syrup, it can become grainy. The reason you cover the pot and boil for three minutes is so the steam from the liquid can wash down the sides of the pan. If you still notice any sugar crystals on the sides of the pan, you can wipe them down with a wet pastry brush.<\/p>\n<h3>What&#8217;s the best way to determine if my candy thermometer is accurate?<\/h3>\n<p>A candy thermometer is one of the most important <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/candy-making-tools\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/candy-making-tools\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">candy-making tools<\/a>. Before starting a candy project, test your thermometer in boiling water. It should say 212\u00b0. If it is higher or lower, add or subtract those degrees when cooking your candy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every evening for a week in December, my husband and I mix up several batches of this soothing candy. When we finish, we have all our favorite flavors and a rainbow of colors. The pieces look lovely in a clear candy dish or jar.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":2042398,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[305843,304423,304993,304288,305487,306171,304515,303966,305863,304988,304408,304368,303887,304268,304558,324623,304016,304388,304005,303883,304117,305028,304403],"categories-v2":[311481,308821,308481,308940,259620,310796,312036,308880,308495,311507,308935,308813,308745,308478,259483,308910,309177,308579,308752,308549,308476,308705,308974,308812],"coauthors":[112911],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Raspberry Hard Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/raspberry-hard-candy\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Hard Maple Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/hard-maple-candy\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Hard-Maple-Candy_EXPS_FT21_20093_F_1008_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Butterscotch Hard Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/butterscotch-hard-candy\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EXPS_TOHD24_28590_SarahTramonte_8.jpg"},{"post_title":"Peppermint Hard Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/peppermint-hard-candy\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps16050_B1322C36.jpg"},{"post_title":"Anise Hard Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/anise-hard-candy\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cinnamon Rock Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/cinnamon-rock-candy\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Clear Toy Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/clear-toy-candy\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chocolate Caramel Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/chocolate-caramel-candy\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Chocolate-Caramel-Candy_EXPS_TOHD24_7752_ChristineMa_14.jpg"},{"post_title":"Soda Cracker Chocolate Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/soda-cracker-chocolate-candy\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps958_TH1428C15.jpg"},{"post_title":"Divinity Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/grandma-s-divinity\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Grandma-s-Divinity_EXPS_FT24_117990_JR_0305_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Caramel Cookie Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/caramel-cookie-candy\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Caramel-Cookie-Candy_exps49838_THCA2449046C01_26_4bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Candy Apple Pie","post_link":"\/recipes\/candy-apple-pie\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Candy-Apple-Pie_exps1132_UH142930D10_22_2bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Old-Time Butter Crunch Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/old-time-butter-crunch-candy\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps_CBZ16_7602_D04_21_4b-8.jpg"},{"post_title":"Potato Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/potato-candy\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Potato-Candy_EXPS_HCBZ22_121018_B11_03_8b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Candy-Licious Fudge","post_link":"\/recipes\/candy-licious-fudge\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Candy-Licious-Fudge_exps134734_SD2401784D10_18_2bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Soft Sugar Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/soft-sugar-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Soft-Sugar-Cookies_EXPS_TOHcom23_14487_P2_MD_11_03_7b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Butterscotch Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/butterscotch-candy\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps33751_HC1154010A12_06_2b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Peanut Butter Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/peanut-butter-candy\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Peanut-Butter-Candy_exps28185_CC2661980C04_10_1bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy","post_link":"\/recipes\/chocolate-peanut-butter-candy\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Chocolate-Peanut-Butter-Candy_EXPS_WRSM17_34253_B03_28_3b-2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Candy Snack Mix","post_link":"\/recipes\/candy-snack-mix\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Candy-Snack-Mix_EXPS_HCCBZ19_19498_B05_21_8b-8.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Hard-Candy_EXPS_TOHD24_7606_SarahTramonte_5.jpg","long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/hard-candy\/","name":"Hard Candy","datePublished":"2018-01-01","dateModified":"2024-09-09","prepTime":"PT15M","cookTime":"PT30M","totalTime":"PT45M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Hard-Candy_EXPS_TOHD24_7606_SarahTramonte_5.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Desserts"],"description":"Create unique flavors and colors with homemade hard candy. This recipe makes it simple to make your own candy for holidays, gifts or a bit of everyday indulgence.","recipeIngredient":["5 to 6 cups confectioners' sugar","2 cups sugar","3\/4 cup light corn syrup","1\/2 cup water","1 to 2 teaspoons anise, lemon or orange extract","Red, yellow or orange liquid food coloring, optional"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Prepare the baking sheet","text":"Fill a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with confectioners' sugar to a depth of 1\/2 inch. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, drag it through the sugar to make a continuous curved-line indentation in the sugar. This will serve as a \"mold\" for your candy. Set the pan aside.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Hard-candy_TOHD24_7606_SarahTramonte_1.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Melt the sugar","text":"In a large, heavy-duty saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water, then bring them to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover and continue cooking for three minutes without stirring, to dissolve any sugar crystals.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Hard-candy_TOHD24_7606_SarahTramonte_2.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Continue cooking the candy","text":"Uncover the pan and raise the heat to medium-high. Continue boiling the syrup without stirring until a candy thermometer reaches 300\u00b0F (the hard-crack stage). Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the flavor extract and the food coloring (if desired).","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Hard-candy_TOHD24_7606_SarahTramonte_3.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Pour the candy into your \"mold\"","text":"Carefully pour the mixture into a glass measuring cup with a spout. Working quickly, pour the syrup into the indentation in the prepared pan. Cover the candy with more confectioners' sugar. When the candy is just cool enough to handle, cut it into pieces with scissors.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Hard-candy_TOHD24_7606_SarahTramonte_4.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"3\/4 pound","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Anna Thomas Bates"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 383 calories","fatContent":"0 fat (0 saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"0 cholesterol","sodiumContent":"26mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"99g carbohydrate (89g sugars","fiberContent":"0 fiber)","proteinContent":"0 protein. "},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.5,"reviewCount":6,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2021-08-31","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"suefalk763"},"reviewBody":"Simple and yummy recipe for candy. Even if you've never made it before. I didn't make pieces of candy, but I did dip dried lemon slices into the hot candy AFTER it reached hard crack stage. Let the excess drip and I laid it flat on a silicon mat. \nI've made candy for years, and if you want candy that isn't sticky I recommend heating to 'hard crack' stage. \nI also added 1\/2 teaspoon of food grade lemon oil. (in the candy making supply section of a cake decorating store.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-01-01","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"NataliaLefevre"},"reviewBody":"First time ever making candies and they turned out amazing! For those of you struggling with soft or semi-liquid candy, you almost certainly didn't let it heat up to the hard crack stage. If you don't have a candy thermometer, buy one! Temperature is essential in candy making. If you have one, used it, and still wound up with liquid candy, test it or buy a new one! To test it, put your thermometer in a pot of water, bring it to a boil, and it should read 212\u00b0F (100\u00b0C). If it reads differently, adjust your temperatures accordingly (if it says 230\u00b0F when in boiling water, subtract 18\u00b0 from what the thermometer reads at any time to find the true temperature). I did this and wound up with the perfect candy. Awesome beginners recipe!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2010-11-07","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"TexasCera"},"reviewBody":"The recipe is great, and if you follow the instructions (and live in a non-humid climate like I do!) it turns out as it should.  I use an unlined copper pan and found the combination of instructions and equipment perfect the first time out.  For those wondering about the wasting of powdered sugar: use hard candy molds and save yourself a bag of sugar.  You have to throw it out when the candies have set, which I found irritating the next time I went to the cupboard for powdered sugar and realized I'd thrown a perfectly good bag away.  Also, use oil based flavoring (no matter what flavor) or the flavor will be too mild.  Non-oil based flavoring evaporates quickly at this high of a heat.  Finally, this can be an awful mess to clean up, as the candy hardens on all your tools and you'll have to melt it off again.  If you boil water in your pot after making this recipe, the candy comes off fast and smooth.  For other tools (like the glass measuring cup or any silicone stirers), use hot water from a coffee pot to melt the candy.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2011-12-15","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"papawoman"},"reviewBody":"I've made this two years in a row and my kids love to guess the flavors of each vibrant color.  Easy to make and you don't have to worry about it getting stale... Nice to have out over the holiday season.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2010-02-24","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"stanislava"},"reviewBody":"a bit hard to make the first because i had never made candy like this before but the second time was easy. the 3rd time i made  this candy i used  1\\2 teaspoon of mango oil and 1\\2 teaspoon of peach oil instead of the extract and it came out great and i got wonderful reviews for it.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2018-06-28","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"RiaMathew"},"reviewBody":"The candy we made is still partially liquid and won't harden. Is there any way to reuse the candy?","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":3,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"7606","romance_copy_dek":"Create unique flavors and colors with homemade hard candy. This recipe makes it simple to make your own candy for holidays, gifts or a bit of everyday indulgence.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Hard Candy","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"5 to 6 cups confectioners' sugar","IngredientText":"5 to 6 cups confectioners' sugar"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 cups sugar","IngredientText":"2 cups sugar"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3\/4 cup light corn syrup","IngredientText":"3\/4 cup light corn syrup"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 cup water","IngredientText":"1\/2 cup water"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 to 2 teaspoons anise, lemon or orange extract","IngredientText":"1 to 2 teaspoons anise, lemon or orange extract"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"Red, yellow or orange liquid food coloring, optional","IngredientText":"Red, yellow or orange liquid food coloring, optional"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Hard-Candy_EXPS_TOHD24_7606_SarahTramonte_5.jpg","RecipeId":7606,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Hard Candy Recipe photo by Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Hard-Candy_EXPS_TOHD24_7606_SarahTramonte_5.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Virginia Sue","Lastname":"Barlow","City":"Farmer City","StateDescription":"Illinois","IsCommunityCook":false,"ContributorAttachmentFileName":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/Recipe\/testkitchenapproved.png","TimeCallout":"Prep: 15 min. + cooling Cook: 30 min. 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