Candy 101-What temperatures are important in candy making?

July 6, 10:01 PMCandy ExaminerAimee Plesa

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Photo Credit Ed Kohler

Cooking sugar to the right temperature is essential if you want your sweets to turn out properly. Most candy making novices cringe at the mere thought of hard crack versus soft ball.  If you don't trust yourself to use the "cold water test" invest in a good quality candy thermometer and tests it before every batch of candy.

• Thread Stage-A spoonful drizzled over a plate forms a fine, thin thread. 223-234 degrees F (106-112 degrees C)
• Soft-ball Stage-A spoonful dropped into ice water forms a ball that flattens immediately when you press it between your fingers. 234-240 degrees F (112-116 degrees C)
• Firm-ball Stage-A spoonful dropped into ice water forms a ball that stays firm and pliable but is still sticky between your fingers. 244-248 degrees F (118-120 degrees C)
• Hard-ball Stage-A spoonful dropped into ice water forms a ball that is sticky but not pliable. 250-266 degrees F (121-130 degrees C)
• Soft-crack Stage-Dropped into ice water, the syrup can then be stretched between your fingers and separated into elastic strands. 270-290 degrees F (132-143 degrees C)
• Hard-crack Stage-Dropped into water, the syrup will solidify. 300-310 degrees F (149-154 degrees C)
• Light Caramel Stage the syrup will be honey-golden in color. 320-335 degrees F (160-170 degrees C)
• Dark Caramel Stage-the syrup will be deep reddish amber in color. Up to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C)

How to calibrate your thermometer using ice water. This is accurate to .1 degree F

1. Place your thermometer in a cupful of ice water.
2. Let sit for 10 minutes
3. Check temperature-your thermometer should read 32 degrees F. If not, reset your thermometer to the proper temperature.

How to calibrate your thermometer using boiling water. This is accurate to 1.0 degree F

1. Place distilled water in a container and heat to a rolling boil.
2. Insert thermometer and let thermometer stabilize.
3. Check temperature-your thermometer should read 212 degrees F. If not, reset your thermometer to the proper temperature.

You should check your thermometer before each use, when going from one temperature extreme to another and if it is dropped.

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