Candies, those little treats have been a source of joy and pleasure for people throughout the ages. Their story is as captivating as their flavors, stretching back to times when civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used honey to coat fruits and flowers creating the earliest versions of candy. As time went on and we reached the Middle Ages, sugar entered the scene transforming confectionery into an art form. From courts in Europe to lively streets in colonial America, candy has always been a symbol of celebration—a comforting delight beloved by both young and old.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Combine cocoa powder and sugar; then add milk and simmer gently. Mix in butter; allow it to cool slightly before stirring in vanilla extract. Pour into a dish to set.
Best served with:
Crushed nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for an added burst of flavor.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Start by heating the juice and honey then dissolve the gelatin in it. Next, pour the mixture into molds. Let it chill.
Suggested pairing:
Enjoy these bears with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Mix together the sugar, condensed milk and peppermint extract to form discs. Freeze them for some time before dipping them in melted chocolate.
Suggested pairing:
These refreshing peppermint patties go well with cocoa or a strong espresso.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Start by melting the sugar and then adding cream and butter to it. Let it cool down before cutting it into pieces.
Suggested pairing:
For a touch of flavor, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on these caramel. Drizzle some chocolate over them.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Begin by boiling sugar and water together. Then add citric acid and lemon zest to the mixture before setting it in molds to cool down.
Suggested pairing:
Enjoy these tangy lemon drops with a cup of tea or a clean and crisp white wine.
Ingredients:
Instructions;
Cook sugar and syrup together then add peanuts. Next mix in butter and baking soda. Spread the mixture out to cool.
Recommended pairing;
Enjoy with a frothy mug of beer or cider.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Heat sugar, butter and vinegar in a saucepan. Dip the apples into the mixture and allow them to harden.
Recommended pairing:
Pair with a slice of cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Boil sugar, water together. Add food coloring and flavoring of your choice. Pour the mixture over a stick or string. Let crystals form as it cools.
Recommended pairing:
Enjoy with a glass of tea or lemonade.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Heat the cream until hot but not boiling. Pour it over chocolate pieces and stir until smooth. Chill the mixture until firm to handle. Then roll it into balls before dusting them with cocoa powder.
Recommended pairing:
Indulge while sipping on wine or enjoying a steaming espresso.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Cook sugar, molasses, flour, anise extract then extrude and cut into strips.
Pair with:
A glass of stout or ginger ale.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Start by mixing the coconut, milk and sugar. Then divide the mixture into two portions. Add colors to each portion. Layer them on top of each other and let it harden.
Pair with:
Enjoy this treat with a tropical fruit punch or a glass of coconut water.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Begin by dissolving gelatin in water. Then cook the sugar and corn syrup together. Once done mix everything together. Whip until it becomes fluffy. Pour the mixture into a tray to set.
Pair with:
These fluffy delights go with a cup of hot chocolate or even a sweet dessert wine.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Start by cooking the sugar and corn syrup together until they blend well. Then add gelatin along with your desired flavors/colors. Mold them into bean shapes. Allow them to set.
Pair with:
Enjoy these treats alongside a cold soda or even indulge in their fruity goodness while sipping on a fruity cocktail.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Begin by cooking the sugar and butter until they melt together perfectly. Add cream to the mixture while stirring continuously until well combined. Pour it into molds to let it harden.
Pair with:
These scrumptious squares are best enjoyed accompanied by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of coffee.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Start by melting the dark chocolate and white chocolate separately. Once melted, mix in the peppermint extract. Spread the mixture onto a tray. Let it cool until it hardens.
Pair with:
Indulge in this treat as an after dinner sweet or enjoy it alongside a cup of warm tea or coffee.
As you embark on the journey of making candies at home, always remember that each piece is more than just a treat—it's a story that combines history, culture and your personal touch. Whether, you're stirring melted chocolate or wrapping toffee, you're participating in a tradition that spreads joy and sweetness. So, go ahead, let your kitchen transform into a confectionery lab and allow your heart to be filled with the awe and satisfaction of creating something. All in the realm of candies, every bite represents a celebration of life’s delightful moments.