Boston baked beans candy
Homemade Boston Baked Beans candy is a fun and delicious treat combining crunchy peanuts with a sweet candy coating. This guide provides a simple step-by-step recipe, tips for perfect results, and variations to customize your candies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of roasted peanuts (unsalted)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Red food coloring (optional but traditional)
Instructions
- Prepare the PeanutsStart by placing your roasted peanuts in a clean kitchen towel. Rub them gently to remove the skins. It’s okay if a few skins remain; they’ll add to the rustic charm of your homemade candy.
- Cook the Sugar SyrupIn a heavy-bottomed sauce pan, combine the granulated sugar, water, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium, stirring continuously, until the sugar fully dissolves. Attach your candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom.
- Bring to Hard Crack Stage Turn up the heat a bit and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue to cook without stirring until the syrup reaches the hard crack stage, around 300°F (150°C) on your candy thermometer. This stage is crucial for achieving that perfect crunchy shell.
- Add Vanilla and Food ColoringOnce the syrup reaches the desired temperature, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully stir in the vanilla extract and a few drops of red food coloring, if using. Becareful as the mixture will start to bubble up.
- Coat the PeanutsQuickly add the peanuts to the syrup and stir to coat them evenly. Work swiftly as the mixture will start to harden.
- Shape the CandiesUsing a spoon, scoop small amounts of the coated peanuts onto the prepared baking sheet, forming clusters. Allow the candies to cool completely.
- Break Apart and Enjoy Once the candies are fully cooled and hardened, break them apart into individual pieces. Keep them fresh by storing them in an airtight container.