Ah, the smell of sugar and warmth wafting through the house during the holidays! There’s nothing quite like making *old fashioned christmas candy* to spark those joyful memories of gatherings with family and friends. I remember helping my grandmother in the kitchen, her laughter ringing out as we stirred the bubbling mixture, eagerly waiting for the moment we could dive into the sweet, nutty goodness. It felt like magic, and I still get that same thrill every time I whip up a batch. This candy not only fills your belly but also your heart with nostalgia. Trust me, once you try making this classic treat, you’ll understand why it’s such a cherished holiday tradition! So grab your apron and let’s get started on creating something truly special together!
Ingredients List
For this delightful *old fashioned christmas candy*, you’ll need the following ingredients. Make sure to measure everything out beforehand for a smooth cooking experience!
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped nuts (your choice, I love walnuts or pecans!)
- 1 cup dried fruits (like cranberries, raisins, or even chopped apricots for a fun twist)
Feel free to mix and match the nuts and fruits based on your personal favorites. It’s all about making this candy your own!
How to Prepare *Old Fashioned Christmas Candy*
Getting ready to make this classic *old fashioned christmas candy* is a delightful journey! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of candy to share (or keep all to yourself—no judgment here!).
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and combining the sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir it all together until the sugar is fully dissolved. This mixture is the base of your candy, so make sure it’s well mixed before moving on to the heat!
Step 2: Boil Mixture
Now, place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. This is super important because you want to prevent sugar from crystallizing. Just keep an eye on it and enjoy the sweet aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 3: Cook to Hard Ball Stage
Once it reaches a rolling boil, stop stirring and let it cook until it hits the hard ball stage—this is about 250°F (121°C). You can use a candy thermometer to help keep track. This step is crucial! If the mixture doesn’t reach the right temperature, your candy won’t set properly.
Step 4: Add Flavorings and Add-ins
When you’ve reached the magic temperature, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Now it’s time to stir in the vanilla extract, salt, nuts, and dried fruits. The flavors will meld beautifully, and trust me, you’ll want to sneak a taste right here!
Step 5: Pour and Cool
Next, pour the hot mixture onto a greased baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. I like to use parchment paper for easy cleanup! Allow it to cool slightly for about 10 minutes, then grab a sharp knife and cut it into squares. The anticipation is half the fun!
Step 6: Final Cooling
Finally, let the candy cool completely before serving. This can take a couple of hours, but the wait is worth it! Once it’s set, you’ll have perfect little squares of nostalgia waiting to be enjoyed. Share with friends or keep them all to yourself—no one’s judging!
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to ensure your *old fashioned christmas candy* turns out perfect every time! Trust me, these little pointers will make a world of difference.
- Make sure your saucepan is deep enough to prevent any bubbling over as the mixture boils.
- Keep a close eye on the thermometer; even a few degrees can make or break your candy!
- If you’re new to candy-making, consider using a silicone spatula for stirring—it’s less likely to scratch your pot!
- Feel free to customize the nuts and fruits to your liking, but be careful not to overload the mixture. Balance is key!
- When cutting the candy, use a sharp knife and let it cool a bit for cleaner cuts.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be a candy-making pro in no time! Enjoy the process and the delightful results!
Nutritional Information
Here’s some estimated nutritional data for each piece of this delightful *old fashioned christmas candy*. Keep in mind these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 1g
This is just a rough estimate, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re indulging in during the festive season!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making *old fashioned christmas candy*? You’re not alone! Here are a few common queries that I’ve encountered, along with my answers to help you out on your candy-making journey.
Can I use different types of nuts or fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the nuts and dried fruits for your favorites. Almonds, pistachios, or even macadamia nuts can add a unique twist. Just remember to keep the ratios similar for the best texture.
What if my candy doesn’t set?
If your *old fashioned christmas candy* doesn’t set properly, it may not have reached the hard ball stage. Don’t fret! You can reheat the mixture gently to the right temperature and try again. Just be careful not to overcook it!
Can I make this candy ahead of time?
Definitely! This candy keeps well in an airtight container for up to a couple of weeks. It’s perfect for holiday gifting or simply having a sweet treat on hand for family and friends.
Can I add chocolate to the candy?
Oh, yes! Drizzling some melted chocolate over the cooled candy adds an indulgent touch. Just let it cool first, then get creative with your chocolate drizzle!
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this *old fashioned christmas candy* is vegetarian-friendly! There are no animal products in the ingredients, so you can enjoy it without worry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *old fashioned christmas candy* isn’t just delicious; it’s a celebration of holiday spirit! Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore making it:
- Timeless Tradition: This recipe brings back cherished memories and creates new ones with your loved ones.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients on hand, making it easy to whip up a batch!
- Customizable: Mix and match your favorite nuts and dried fruits for a personal touch.
- Perfect for Gifting: It makes a delightful gift for friends and family during the holiday season.
- Sweet Satisfaction: There’s nothing quite like the joy of enjoying a homemade treat that you crafted with love.
Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked on the nostalgic flavors of this classic candy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *old fashioned christmas candy* fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can also refrigerate it if you prefer a firmer texture. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking! As for reheating, there’s no need—enjoy it as is! The flavors only get better with time, so you won’t have to worry about losing that delightful taste.
Print
Old Fashioned Christmas Candy: 5 Steps to Sweet Nostalgia
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic treat that brings back memories of Christmas cheer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped nuts
- 1 cup dried fruits
Instructions
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, stop stirring and let it cook to the hard ball stage (about 250°F).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, nuts, and dried fruits.
- Pour mixture onto a greased baking sheet.
- Allow to cool slightly, then cut into squares.
- Let it cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use your favorite nuts and dried fruits.
- Can be decorated with chocolate drizzle if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: old fashioned christmas candy
