Salt Water Taffy

As one of the popular candies and sweets in America, there is hardly anyone who may not know what a taffy is. Well, for those who do not know, it is a soft candy available in different flavors. Contrary to what the name may indicate, this candy is no way related to salt water, neither has a salty taste. Taffies are available in countless flavors like apple, banana, blueberry, candy corn, caramel, chocolate, coconut, cinnamon, mango, orange, strawberry or the original molasses (without added flavor). Following is an easy recipe with a list of ingredients.

Making Salt Water Taffy

If you wish to make these candies at home, you can go through the following recipe. The ingredients that you will require are sugar, cornstarch, butter, etc. Here are the steps for making this candy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 1 cup of light corn syrup
• 3/4 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon flavoring of your choice
• 3 drops food coloring (optional)

Method of Preparation

• In a saucepan, mix cornstarch and sugar together. Also add corn syrup, butter, water and salt to this mixture. (sometimes 2 teaspoons of glycerin is also added to the mixture. However, it is optional.)
• Now, place the pan over medium heat and stir until sugar get dissolved completely.
• Continue heating till the mixture boils and let it set to form a soft crack stage.
• Next, add the flavor and color into the mixture and remove the mixture from heat.
• Pour the mixture in a greased cookie / baking sheet and set to cool.
• When the mixture has cooled down is the time to pull the taffy. You can do it yourself or get a partner along.
• Grease your hands with butter or oil and pull the taffy. You need to pull until it becomes smooth and glossy.
• When pulled properly, roll it into the shape of a roll in the diameter of your choice. Cut it into an inch long pieces with the help of a butter knife.
• Set the pieces to cool for 40-60 minutes.
• Use wax paper to wrap as it will help in keeping the taffy soft. Wrap in papers and twist the ends. And you are done, so enjoy your homemade taffies!

You can try making different flavors by using different food flavors like mint, vanilla, orange, apple, banana, etc. In order to make chocolate candy, you need to add cocoa powder or unsweetened chocolate to it. Similarly, you can use the basic vanilla flavor and make use of different food colors like red, blue, green, etc. to make attractive and exotic taffies. You can also make use of sugar free products or use brown sugar.

Most of the salt water taffies contain more than 100 calories in a single piece. Some brands of taffies contain about 150-170 calories per piece. On the other hand, taffies made from licorice contain lowest amounts of calories like 30-35 calories only. Now that you are aware of the salt water taffy calorie content, you might as well consume it in moderation.

You can also share the recipe with your friends. So, now you can easily make your favorite candies at home, carry them wherever you wish and enjoy them to your heart's content. Good luck!