Taffy is a sweet and chewy candy with similarities to toffee. This delicious American treat is made from a mixture of boiled butter and sugar that is pulled and stretched. Though this process is automated now in factories, you can still make homemade taffy the old-fashioned way, shaping and pulling it by hand. Doing so used to take hour. Now there are plenty of recipes available that take much less time–but you’ll still need some time to get ready for National Taffy Day on May 23rd! Your pantry might have everything you need–so get shopping and enjoy an old-time taffy pull for National Taffy Day!
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 2/3 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 10 drops green food coloring
Directions
1. Butter one 8-inch square pan; set aside.
2. In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, cornstarch and salt. Mix together well and bring to a boil. Heat without stirring until a candy thermometer reads 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
3. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, almond extract, almonds and food color. Pour into pan. Let stand until cool enough to handle. (Taffy should be lukewarm in center as well as at the edges.)
4. At this point, fold, double and pull the taffy until it is light in color and stiff. Butter hands lightly if taffy begins to stick. Cut taffy into pieces with scissors and wrap the pieces with plastic wrap to maintain shape.
This simple recipe yields one pound of candy. For a fun treat, wrap them up in colored plastic and put a few pieces in which your child’s lunch for school, or serve them freshly made on a plate at a get-together. This easy recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends of all ages! Happy National Taffy Day–and check out this video of an industrial taffy pull!
