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Rock Candy
I remember learning about rocks as a kid and thinking that sugar turning into amazing crystal structures was truly like a science experiment. Rock candy is one of those treats that feels pretty magical because it is. This recipe is interactive, and while it does take time to grow your crystals, the wait is worth the beauty that occurs. It’s a reminder that food is a science, and ingredients can create alchemy when they come together in the right way.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 weeks
- Total Time: 2 weeks 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 candies 1x
- Category: Desserts
Ingredients
Scale
- Wooden skewers or string
- 2 cups water, plus extra for wetting the skewers
- 4 cups granulated sugar, plus extra for coating the skewers
- 1 teaspoon food coloring and/or 1 (0.125-ounce) flavoring oil (optional)
- 8-ounce glass jars
Instructions
- Wet your wooden skewer, and roll it in granulated sugar. This base layer will give the sugar crystals something to “grab” when they start forming. Set the string or skewer aside to dry while you prepare your sugar syrup.
- Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Begin adding the sugar, 1 cup at a time, stirring after each addition. You will notice that it takes longer for the sugar to dissolve. Bring the syrup to a boil and continue to stir until all the sugar has been added and it has dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat.
- If you are using colors or flavorings, add them to the syrup at this point.
- Allow the sugar syrup to cool for about 10 minutes, then pour it into the jars. Lower the sugared string or skewer until it hangs about 1 inch from the bottom.
- Carefully place your jar in a cool place, away from harsh lights, where it can sit undisturbed. Cover the top loosely with plastic wrap.
- Crystals will begin to form in the first 2 to 4 hours.
- Allow the rock candy to grow until it is the size you want. Don’t let it grow too large; otherwise, it might start growing into the sides of your jar! Once it has reached the size you want, remove it and allow it to dry for a few minutes, then enjoy or wrap in plastic wrap to save it for later.
Notes
- If you have seen no change to your skewer or string after 24 hours, try boiling the sugar syrup again, dissolve another cup of sugar in it, then pour it back into the jar and insert the string or skewer again.
