How can you tell if candy is done without a thermometer?
Try to form a sugar ball while your hand is deep inside the cold water bowl. After some time, bring it out of the cold water and observe the texture and the shape of the candy. This should be able to tell you the temperature of the candy.
Can you use a regular thermometer for candy?
The simplest answer is yes—but it all depends on the thermometer. Meat thermometer usage can easily be applied to making candy, as long as the temperature rating is high enough, so read on for the answers to all your thermometer questions!
What kind of thermometer do you use for candy apples?
A Thermapen ONE will measure the internal temperature of the sugar, and its response time is so fast that you’ll be able to check the temperature in an instant—perfect as the sugar’s temperature increases quickly.
Can you use a meat thermometer for candy apples?
While you may think you can get away with using a meat thermometer in place of a candy thermometer (or vice versa), this is definitely not the case. A meat thermometer is much shorter in length, and its temperature range isn’t typically high enough for cooking sugar.
Can I use a digital thermometer for candy making?
Candy Thermometer: Digital instant-read temperature ranges aren’t usually high enough for tasks like boiling sugar or deep-frying, so that’s where a candy thermometer comes in handy. Candy thermometers range from 100° to 400° Fahrenheit, so they’re perfect for a range of recipe needs.
Do you need a candy thermometer to make candy apple?
You don’t need a candy thermometer to make your favorite sweets. In fact, all you need is this handy guide and a bowl of cold water. Once the candy reaches the desired stage (for example, the hard-ball stage for marshmallows), take the pot off the heat and proceed with the recipe.
What can I wrap candy apples in?
Wrapping them can be tricky because of the stick and the candy coating, but cellophane paper works well for wrapping candied apples.
Can you put candy apples on wax paper?
We prefer to use parchment paper instead of wax paper. It’s a stronger paper and we haven’t had an issue with it sticking. If you only have wax paper, smear a little bit of butter on the wax paper where you will set the apples.
How do you use a candy thermometer?
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).
How do you Candy an apple?
Before you candy the apples, you’ll want to prep them. Give each apple a good rinse with water, then pat dry with a paper towel. Remove each apple’s stem and replace it with one of the wooden sticks. The sticks should be inserted far enough into the apple so they can be picked up but they shouldn’t go all the way through.
How do you measure the temperature of candy syrup?
Lay out a spoon and a bowl of cold water beside your pot of boiling sugar. Every few minutes, drop a small spoonful of syrup into the cold water. Let the candy cool for a second, then form it into a ball with your hand. Compare the shape and texture of the candy to the chart below to determine the approximate temperature of the syrup.
How do you take a temperature with a thermometer?
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).