Here is what I found after reading about taffy. In Britain, taffy is also called chews and is like soft toffee but without the toffee taste and can be found in the popular sweets called chewits or starburst.
These candies are easy to make at home. You can also choose any flavorings of your choice, such as watermelon, strawberry, classic vanilla, and many more. It is also important to check the temperature in making these to achieve a chewy texture.
The pulling process may take some time, but the experience is worth it. Your kids will surely love watching you doing this process, and you can also let them try it once you divide the mixture into small ropes. Let them help you with wrapping the candies too.
Ingredients for Home-Made Salt Water Taffy
2 cups granulated sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup corn syrup
3/4 cup water
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 tsp teaspoon watermelon flavoring
3 drops of food coloring, optional
How to Make Home-Made Salt Water Taffy
Grease a glass baking dish with butter and then refrigerate.
In a bowl, mix sugar and cornstarch. Once combined, transfer in a saucepan and cook over medium heat. Add corn syrup, water, butter, and salt, and then bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover with a lid for 2 to 3 minutes. Check the temperature, which should be 256°F-266°F. Add the flavoring of your choice and food coloring if you are using one. Stir well and remove from heat.
Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and let it rest until it is cool enough to be handled. Once ready, grease your hands with butter and pull the candy. Stretch it out, fold in half, and repeat the process for about 20 minutes until it turns into light color. Divide the candy and make small ropes. Using scissors, cut into small pieces, and wrap in wax paper.
To see the original recipe that inspired this one, check out the recipe for Home-Made Salt Water Taffy found at Sia Blu.
Photo source David Berkowitz
