Treacle candy, also known as campfire candy, is a British confection made from demerara sugar, black treacle, and corn syrup, traditionally eaten on bonfire night. The candy can vary in flavor and texture and is often made with molasses and other ingredients. It is usually only available in the fall months but can be found year-round in some specialty candy stores. The candy is made by boiling the ingredients together until they reach the correct temperature and then poured and allowed to cool before being served.
Also known as campfire candy, treacle candy is a British confection made from demerara sugar, black treacle, and corn syrup. The treat is also known as ash candy or texture candy. The candy is traditionally eaten on bonfire night after Guy Fawkes Day or Halloween.
Although treacle candy is often considered unattractive by its appearance, many believe the flavor is worth it. It is generally a glossy, dark brown to black packaging. The pieces are usually irregular in shape, although they can be presented in uniform cubes if cut with precision. The pieces can be sold in bags of crocks or as wrapped candy.
Molasses is often substituted for black molasses, particularly in Western countries. Although demerara sugar is widely available in specialist shops and in Britain, brown sugar can be used as a viable substitute. Water and butter are often other ingredients used to make treacle candy, as are vinegar and cream of tartar.
Depending on the recipe used, the flavor and texture of the treacle can vary. Some recipes produce crumbly treats, while others are chewy. Most traditionalists say candy should be hard, like brittle. When prepared correctly, the dessert can stay as fresh as regular hard candy when stored in an airtight container.
Molasses candy is usually only available in the fall months, unless it’s homemade. Some specialty candy stores sell it year-round. Traditionally, the candy is made in large trays, then pounded and served. Smaller batches can be broken up by hand and eaten immediately.
Before cooking the candy, the tin or other container used to store the candy should be lightly oiled or buttered to prevent sticking. When treacle candy is made, the sugar is dissolved before adding other ingredients. Once all the ingredients are well mixed, they are boiled together until they reach the temperature in the recipe. A candy thermometer is recommended to gauge the correct temperature. As the ingredients cook, they must be stirred continuously to prevent them from sticking to the pot.
It is then poured and allowed to cool for at least ten minutes before being served. The cooking time is usually fifteen minutes, as is the preparation time. If the correct temperature is not reached, the result is a softer sticky candy that can still be consumed if desired. It can also be sprinkled on other desserts as an alternative.
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