Description
Sweet nostalgia comes alive with classic old fashioned orange candy, a delightful confection that whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen. Citrus lovers will savor each crystallized bite, connecting generations through simple, pure ingredients and timeless culinary craft.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can (6 ounces/170 grams) fruit pectin
Liquid Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) water
- 2 teaspoons orange extract
Supplementary Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 5 drops red liquid food coloring
- 5 drops yellow liquid food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage for easy candy removal.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together fruit pectin, water, and baking soda until well combined, anticipating potential foaming.
- Simultaneously, in a large saucepan, heat sugar and light corn syrup over high heat, stirring frequently until the mixture reaches a vigorous boil.
- Carefully integrate the pectin solution into the boiling sugar mixture, maintaining constant stirring to prevent scorching.
- Continue cooking for an additional minute, creating a smooth, uniform candy base.
- Remove from heat and swiftly incorporate orange extract and food coloring, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Immediately transfer the liquid candy into the prepared pan, allowing it to settle and cool at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
- Once completely set, sprinkle a generous layer of sugar on wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Invert the candy onto the sugared surface, revealing a solid candy block.
- Using a knife dipped in hot water to prevent adhesion, slice the candy into precise 3/4-inch cubes.
- Gently roll each cube in the remaining sugar, creating a sweet, crystalline exterior.
- Arrange the coated candies on a wire rack, allowing them to dry completely overnight.
- Transfer the finished orange candies to an airtight container, preserving their texture and flavor at room temperature.
Notes
- Precision matters when measuring ingredients, as slight variations can affect the candy’s texture and set.
- Prevent sugar crystallization by stirring constantly during the cooking process and using a clean, dry utensil.
- Use a candy thermometer for more accurate temperature control if you’re aiming for consistent results.
- Experiment with different extract flavors like lemon or raspberry to create unique variations of this classic candy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg