Candy Making without a Thermometer (Cold Water Test)

It is easiest to make candy by using a candy thermometer but you can also use the Cold Water Test.


The Cold Water Test can also be used along with a thermometer for the most accurate results.

For the Cold Water Test: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the syrup (candy mixture) is dropped from a clean spoon into a small bowl of very cold water (not ice cold). Quickly examine and/or carefully pick up the sugar from the cold water.
The firmness of the sugar indicates the highest temperature the syrup reached.
The higher the temperature the sugar syrup reached the harder the mixture will be after it cools.

Step 1 Test Thermometer for Accuracy

If you do have a thermometer you need to test its accuracy.
First bring a pot of water to a boil and add your thermometer.
Make sure the bottom of the thermometer is not resting on the bottom of the pot or your results not be as accurate.
Boil the water for at least 10 minutes and note the temperature.
Water, at sea level, will boil at 212° F (100° C).
For every 500 feet you are above sea level the boiling point will approximately be decreased by 1 F.
If after 10 minutes your thermometer does not read 212 F (100 C) note the difference.
When following a candy recipe add the amount of the difference to the temperature the recipe calls for.

For eaxmple my water boiled at 211 F so when I make candy I make sure my candy reaches 1 degree higher that the temperature called for in the recipe. If a recipe reads to bring the syrup to 235 F I will wait until my thermometer reads at least 236 F.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crE3xb0lWRw

Comments

[uberdum05]

Is this an alternative to corn syrup?

[canida]

I just burned the syrup for my last candy attempt, so this is very helpful! I'll check your other Instructables, and hopefully fare better next time. ;)

[sillymommy]

I have burnt my syrup before too. You really have to watch the whole time because sometimes the temp increases very slowly and ssometimes it increases very rapidly. Good luck and I am glad you found my I instructable helpful.