**Saltwater Taffy: A Coastal Treat with a Twist**
Saltwater taffy, a quintessential confection synonymous with coastal towns and amusement parks, captivates taste buds with its chewy texture, vibrant colors, and irresistible flavors. This delectable treat traces its roots back to the late 19th century, when confectioners along the Atlantic coastline began experimenting with sugar, corn syrup, and salt water to create a unique candy that would withstand the warm summer temperatures.
Over the years, saltwater taffy has evolved into a beloved confection enjoyed by people of all ages. Its distinct flavor profile, ranging from classic vanilla to fruity sensations like strawberry, pineapple, and watermelon, offers a burst of sweetness with a hint of saltiness that lingers on the palate.
In this comprehensive guide, we present a collection of saltwater taffy recipes that cater to various skill levels and preferences. From the traditional method that utilizes a candy thermometer to ensure precise temperature control to a simplified approach using a microwave, these recipes provide step-by-step instructions to help you recreate this iconic candy in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Whether you're a seasoned candy maker or embarking on your confectionery journey, these recipes will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to craft delectable batches of saltwater taffy that will transport you to the lively atmosphere of a seaside boardwalk. So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and let's embark on a sweet adventure to create this irresistible coastal treat.
SALT WATER TAFFY
Make and share this Salt Water Taffy recipe from Food.com.
Provided by MEnney
Categories Candy
Time 1h
Yield 50 pieces, 50 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a heavy saucepan, mix together sugar and cornstarch.
- Stir in corn syrup, water, salt, and margarine.
- Place over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
- Cover pan and bring to a boil for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Uncover, place thermometer in pan and cook to 266°F
- Remove from heat and add food coloring and flavoring oil.
- Stir gently, pour onto a greased marble slab or a shallow greased pan to cool.
- When cool enough to handle, grease hands and pull until light and has a satiny gloss.
- Pull into a long rope, cut with scissors and wrap in waxed paper squares, twisting ends.
- Makes 50 pieces.
VINTAGE SALTWATER TAFFY
When my children were small we used to do Saltwater Taffy Pulls. I would invite the whole neighborhood, we lived on base as we were military and the kids would have an absolute blast. I love Saltwater Taffy. My favorite is peppermint. The kids liked Cherry of course. Just a reminder if you have long hair put it up in a...
Provided by JoSele Swopes
Categories Candies
Time 1h45m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. Liberally grease a large baking sheet with butter and set aside.
- 2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Add the corn syrup, water, butter, and salt and stir over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
- 3. Cook, without stirring, until the mixture just reaches 250° on a candy thermometer, or until a small piece dropped into a cup of cold water forms a firm, but not sticky, ball. Immediately remove from heat and stir in the flavor, vanilla, and several drops of food coloring.
- 4. Pour the mixture onto the greased cookie sheet and let it cool until you're able to handle it, about 15 minutes.
- 5. Grease your hands with butter, then pull and stretch the taffy until it lightens in color, about 15 minutes total. Form into ropes and cut into pieces with buttered scissors. Wrap the pieces in squares of parchment or wax paper
- 6. How to Pull Taffy Make your taffy Let the taffy stand until it is cool enough throughout to touch with your fingers Wash your hands thoroughly, then butter them. Pick up the taffy with 2 hands. Form the taffy into a ball. Pull your right and left hands away from each other sideways in front of your body. (You will be pulling taffy for quite a while, so find a comfortable position or friends to help). Double the taffy on itself by bringing the ends together on the left side and pulling the middle with your right hand. If you plan on making a lot of taffy, invest in a taffy hook. They are available through online kitchen stores. Install this large metal hook on your wall, clean it, and then hook the taffy around the middle, and pull. Double the taffy on the hook. Pull and repeat. This allows you to pull back and use momentum to help you, making it less exhausting. Regrease your hands with butter as needed throughout the process of pulling.
- 7. Pull the taffy until it is light in color and stiff. This will indicate there are enough air bubbles inside to make it fluffy. Pulling taffy can take 15 to 60 minutes, depending upon the number of people you have pulling and the amount of taffy you are working with.
- 8. Pull hard on 1 end of the taffy so that it is stretched into a thin rope. You may need to take it between your 2 palms and rotate your hands back and forth to keep the round rope shape. Cut the taffy with clean, greased scissors and wrap the taffy in wax paper. Twist together ropes of different colors and flavors to form a striped candy. Cut with greased scissors and wrap in wax paper squares.
Tips:
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar mixture reaches the correct temperature, as this is crucial for the success of the saltwater taffy.
- Stir the sugar mixture constantly to prevent crystallization and ensure even cooking.
- Add the flavoring and coloring agents once the sugar mixture has reached the desired temperature, as adding them too early may cause the flavor and color to dissipate.
- Work quickly when pulling the taffy, as it will begin to harden as it cools.
- If the taffy becomes too hard to pull, place it back in the saucepan over low heat and stir until it softens enough to work with.
- Store the saltwater taffy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion:
Saltwater taffy is a delicious and nostalgic candy that can be easily made at home with the right ingredients and techniques. By following the tips and instructions provided in this recipe, you can create your own batch of this classic treat that is perfect for enjoying as a snack, gifting to friends and family, or selling at local markets or fairs. With its chewy texture, sweet and salty flavor, and variety of possible flavor combinations, saltwater taffy is sure to be a hit with candy lovers of all ages.
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