Sugar candy has been a treat enjoyed by people across the globe for centuries. From colorful hard candies to melt-in-your-mouth treats, sugar candies come in many shapes and flavors. There are countless ways to make these sweet confections, but this article will focus on three simple methods: rock candy, sugar glass, and old-fashioned pulled sugar candy. These three DIY recipes will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family.

1. Rock Candy

Rock candy is a crystallized sugar treat formed by allowing a sugar solution to grow crystals on a string or stick. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create beautiful and tasty rock candy at home.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups water

– 4 cups granulated sugar

– Food coloring (optional)

– Flavor extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, mix water and sugar together. Heat the mixture on low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.

2. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for 15 minutes.

3. If desired, add a few drops of your preferred food coloring and flavor extract.

4. Pour the solution into clean glass jars.

5. Tie a string or insert a stick into each jar, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom or sides of the jar.

6. Cover the jars with plastic wrap or wax paper to keep dust out.

7. Allow the crystals to grow for at least 7 days in a cool, undisturbed area.

8. Once the desired size is reached, remove the rock candy from the jar and let it dry on wax paper.

2. Sugar Glass

Sugar glass, also known as edible glass, is a brittle and transparent candy made from sugar, corn syrup, and water. This versatile treat can be used in cake decorating or even movie special effects.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1/3 cup light corn syrup

– 1/4 cup water

– Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grease a cookie sheet with nonstick spray and set aside.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water.

3. Heat on medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.

4. If you wish to add color, mix in food coloring.

5. Allow the mixture to cook undisturbed until it reaches the hard crack stage (300°F or 150°C) on a candy thermometer.

6. Pour the hot mixture onto the greased cookie sheet and let it cool completely.

7. Once hardened, you can break the sugar glass into desired pieces.

8. Old-Fashioned Pulled Sugar Candy

Pulled sugar candy is a simple yet intricate confection that requires pulling boiled sugar to create a glossy finish and firm texture.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups granulated sugar

– 1/2 cup water

– 1/4 cup light corn syrup

– Food coloring (optional)

– Flavor extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup and cook over medium heat until the mixture reaches 260°F or 127°C on a candy thermometer.

2. Add food coloring and flavor extract if desired and continue cooking until it reaches 290°F or 145°C.

3. Remove from heat and pour onto a greased heatproof surface, such as a silicone mat or marble slab.

4. Let it cool slightly to become more manageable but still pliable.

5. Fold the edges of the mixture into the center using a metal spatula to start forming a ball shape.

6. Once cool enough to handle, grease your hands with butter