We would like to give you one just in time for the carnivalcool experimentintroduce you to where you can make colorful rock candy yourself. The finished rock candy sticks are also great for a children's birthday party and the little ones can of course also take part in making them.
Making rock candy: A cool experiment that requires some patience
Rock candy is easy to make at home, tastes great, and is a fun recipe to makedo with childrencan. Even better: It's also a science experiment because you can watch the sugar crystals grow. It's also a great opportunity to get creative in the kitchen because the color and flavor combinations you can create are endless.
This is one of the easiest candies to make, although it does require patience. All you need is sugar and water, as well as a few basic supplies that you probably already have around the house. Most steps involve making the sugar syrup and preparing the sticks and jars. While you should start to see changes within the first few hours, it can take three to seven days for the rock candy to form.
Keep in mind that the exact amount of sugar syrup depends on the size of the jars and the number of rock candy sticks you want. For example, the quantities in the recipe apply to four 200 milliliter glasses and 4 rock candy sticks. You can easily double or triple the recipe to make more rock candy at once.
Make your own rock candy sticks: This is how it works!
Growing colored sugar crystals is an interesting project that does not require any special skills. Although you will only be able to see the results after a few days, the children will certainly be waiting eagerly for it. Now we'll explain how to make the rock candy sticks yourself.
First collect the following ingredients:
- Water and granulated sugar in a ratio of 1:3, in this case 400 ml of water and 1.2 kg of granulated sugar
- 2 to 3 drops of food coloring, optional but recommended for colored rock candy
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon flavor extract or oil
and these materials:
- 4 glasses 200 ml each
- 4 wooden skewers
- Clothespins
And this is how it works:
First, rinse four 200ml glasses thoroughly with hot water.
For each glass, you will need a wooden skewer that hangs about an inch above the bottom of the glass. You also need clothespins that are balanced over the top edge of the glass to hold the skewer in place.
Prepare wooden skewers
Moisten each wooden skewer with water and roll in granulated sugar. This base layer gives the sugar crystals something to hold onto as they begin to form. Set the skewers aside to dry while you prepare the sugar syrup.
Prepare sugar syrup
Place 400 milliliters of water in a medium-sized saucepan and bring to a boil. Gradually add sugar, stirring after each addition. You will notice that with each cup you add, it takes longer for the sugar to dissolve. Continue stirring and cooking the syrup until all the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove the pot from the heat.
If using colors or flavorings, add 2 to 3 drops of food coloring and stir to achieve an even color. If using an extract, add 1 teaspoon of the extract; for aromatic oils, add only 1/2 teaspoon. Be careful not to stand directly over the pot as the scent can be very strong as it rises in the steam.
Now let the sugar syrup cool for 20 to 30 minutes.
Briefly rinse the prepared jars with hot water and then distribute the syrup into the jars, not filling them full.
Insert a sugared shish kebab skewer into each glass until it hangs about an inch above the bottom and secure it to the edge of the glass with clothespins.
Growing sugar crystals
Carefully place the jars in a cool, light-protected place where they can stand undisturbed. Cover the jar opening loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
The first sugar crystals should form within 2 to 4 hours. If you don't notice any change after 24 hours, try boiling the sugar syrup again and dissolving another cup of sugar in it. Then pour it back into the glass and insert the skewer again.
Allow the sugar crystals to grow until the rock candy sticks reach the desired size. Don't let the rock candy get too big, otherwise it could grow out the sides of the container.
Note that a top crystal layer will also form. That's okay. Once the rock candy has reached the desired size, break up the top layer of crystals with a fork before removing the rock candy.
Place the rock candy sticks in an empty jar (keep the clothespins for balance) and let dry for 1 to 2 hours.
Enjoy the colorful rock candy with the children or wrap the sticks in cling film and save them for later.
