Barley sugar – the name alone evokes a sense of childhood wonder, doesn’t it? Imagine: shimmering, golden shards of candy that melt on your tongue, each piece a tiny work of edible art. While it might sound like something best left to confectionary wizards, making barley sugar at home is surprisingly achievable. Today, we’ll demystify the process and equip you with the knowledge to create your own batch of this classic treat.
What is Barley Sugar?
Despite its name, barley sugar doesn’t actually contain any barley! It earned its name from a time when barley water was used in the sugar-boiling process. These days, it’s simply made from sugar and water, cooked to the hard crack stage, resulting in a translucent, glass-like candy. The flavor is pure, sweet, and nostalgic, taking many back to their childhoods.
Gathering Your Ingredients & Tools
Before we embark on our candy-making adventure, let’s gather everything we need. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon citric acid (optional, prevents crystallization and adds a subtle tartness)
Tools:
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Pastry brush and a small bowl of water (for cleaning sugar crystals from the sides of the pan)
- Heatproof spatula or wooden spoon
Let’s Make Some Magic: The Step-by-Step Guide
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Prepare your workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will be your cooling surface for the barley sugar.
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Combine ingredients: In your heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and citric acid (if using). Stir gently to moisten the sugar.
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Cook the sugar: Place the saucepan over medium heat and clip on your candy thermometer. Stir occasionally, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely. As the mixture heats, use your pastry brush dipped in water to brush down the sides of the pan, removing any sugar crystals that could cause crystallization.
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Reach the hard-crack stage: Continue to cook the sugar syrup without stirring. It will begin to bubble and change color, eventually turning a light golden brown. The key is to reach the hard-crack stage, which is between 300-310°F (149-154°C) on your candy thermometer. This ensures the barley sugar will harden into those beautiful, brittle shards.
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Pour and cool: Once the hard-crack stage is reached, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Working quickly and carefully, pour the molten sugar onto your prepared baking sheet. Let it cool undisturbed for about 30-45 minutes, or until completely hardened.
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Break it up: Once the barley sugar is completely cool and hardened, break it into shards using the back of a spoon or your hands (be careful, it can be sharp!).
Barley Sugar Ingredients
Tips and Tricks for Barley Sugar Success
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan: This ensures even heat distribution and helps prevent the sugar from burning.
- Don’t stir once the mixture boils: Stirring can introduce air bubbles and lead to crystallization.
- Control the heat: Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady temperature and avoid burning the sugar.
- Be patient: Making candy requires patience! Allow the sugar to cook undisturbed until it reaches the correct temperature.
FAQs About Making Barley Sugar
Q: Can I flavor my barley sugar?
A: Absolutely! Once you’ve poured the sugar onto the baking sheet, you can sprinkle it with flavorings like cinnamon, ginger, peppermint extract, or even a pinch of sea salt.
Q: My barley sugar turned out sticky. What happened?
A: It likely didn’t reach the hard-crack stage. Next time, cook the sugar syrup to a slightly higher temperature.
Q: Can I store barley sugar?
A: Yes, store it in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent it from absorbing moisture and becoming sticky.
Breaking Barley Sugar
Indulge in Your Homemade Treat
There you have it! You’ve successfully navigated the world of sugar and heat to create your very own batch of beautiful, delicious barley sugar. Enjoy it as a sweet treat on its own, use it to decorate cakes and desserts, or gift it to friends and family. The possibilities are endless!
Ready to explore more homemade candy recipes? Check out our guide on How to Make Rice Cakes (Korean), another delightful treat that’s easier to make than you might think!
