Description
This classic Orange Candy recipe yields a sweet, tangy treat bursting with citrus flavor. Combining sugar, orange juice, and zest, this candy is cooked to the hard ball stage and then pulled to create a light, airy texture. Perfect as a homemade confection to share or enjoy as a delightful citrus-flavored sweet.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix together the sugar, water, and cream of tartar. Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients evenly before heating.
- Bring to boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves to ensure a smooth syrup base.
- Add orange flavor and boil to hard ball stage: Stir in the orange juice and orange zest, then continue boiling the mixture without stirring until the temperature reaches 250°F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer, which is essential for achieving the right candy consistency.
- Add color and remove from heat: Remove the saucepan from heat and, if desired, add the food coloring to enhance the visual appeal of the candy.
- Pour and cool slightly: Carefully pour the hot candy mixture onto a greased baking sheet, spreading it evenly. Let it cool until it is safe to handle but still pliable.
- Stretch and pull the candy: Once the candy has cooled slightly, begin stretching and pulling it repeatedly until it becomes lighter in color and develops a glossy, airy texture typical of pulled candy.
- Cut and cool completely: Cut the pulled candy into desired pieces and allow them to cool entirely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature; reaching the hard ball stage is crucial.
- If you do not have a candy thermometer, test candy by dropping a small amount in cold water to check if it forms a hard ball.
- Wear oven mitts or use caution when handling hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.
- For best results, use fresh orange juice and zest to maximize citrus flavor.
- Food coloring is optional and can be matched to orange or left out for a natural look.
- Store the finished candy in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain texture and freshness.
