National Candy Month: How to Make Rock Candy

In honor of National Candy Month, we’re posting some of our favorite recipes from The Field Guide to Candy by Anita Chu!

Last week we had Tuxedo Strawberries. Today? Rock Candy! Mm!

Rock Candy
From the Field Guide to Candy by Anita Chu

You’re going to need to channel your inner Bill Nye the Science Guy to make this recipe. All you need are three ingredients and five to seven days to make, or grow, your very own rock candy. Try putting sticks of this sugary treat out for guests to sweeten their coffee or tea with.

Ingredients:

– 4 cups sugar plus extra for coating sticks

– Few drops of food coloring, if desired

– 3 to 5 wooden sticks or bamboo skewers

Instructions:

– Find a large glass jar, taller than it is wide. Be sure it is completely clean and dry. Ensure the wooden sticks are long enough to stick out over the top of the jar.

– Place 2 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil at high heat.

– Add the sugar 1 cup at a time, stirring until it is fully dissolved and the mixture is clear.

– Add food coloring if desired.

– Pour the sugar solution into the glass jar and let it cool for a few minutes. While you are waiting, wet the sticks in water and roll in sugar to cat. Let them dry. You are providing “seed” crystals that will encourage more sugar crystals to form.

– Place the sticks in the jar, making sure the sugar solution covers several inches of them. Space them so there is room for sugar to grow. You can use clips or string to secure the sticks.

– Cover the jaw with foil. Store it at room temperature where it will be undisturbed for the next 5 to 7 days.

– Remove candies when they are covered with big sugar crystals.

Yield: 3 to 5 candies

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