Save A festive dessert platter featuring a colorful assortment of homemade rock candies holiday-themed chocolates and sparkling sugar confections perfect for adding a sweet eye-catching centerpiece to your holiday table.
This cozy chicken stew has been a family favorite for years bringing comfort and warmth to the table every time.
Ingredients
- Rock Candy: 2 cups granulated sugar ¾ cup water ½ cup light corn syrup ½ tsp flavored extract (peppermint cherry or lemon) Food coloring (red green or as desired) Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Holiday Chocolates: 200 g high-quality dark chocolate chopped 100 g white chocolate chopped Holiday sprinkles or edible glitter
- Sugar Confections: 1 cup assorted gumdrops ½ cup candied fruit (cherries orange peel etc) ½ cup sparkling sugar or edible glitter
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly dust with powdered sugar.
- Step 2:
- For the rock candy combine granulated sugar water and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan Stir constantly over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Step 3:
- Increase heat and bring to a boil without stirring Continue cooking until mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage).
- Step 4:
- Remove from heat immediately Add flavored extract and a few drops of chosen food coloring Swirl gently to combine.
- Step 5:
- Carefully pour the hot syrup onto the prepared baking sheet Let cool for 5–10 minutes then use a buttered knife to score into pieces or break into shards once fully set (about 1 hour) Dust with more powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Step 6:
- For holiday chocolates melt dark and white chocolate separately using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts.
- Step 7:
- Pour melted chocolates into festive silicone molds or spread onto parchment swirling white into dark for a marbled effect Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles or edible glitter Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm then unmold or break into pieces.
- Step 8:
- Arrange rock candy chocolates gumdrops candied fruit and sparkling sugar on a large platter in a decorative holiday pattern Serve immediately or store candies in airtight containers.
Save Preparing this dessert always brings joy as family gathers around admiring the colorful display and sharing sweet moments.
Required Tools
Heavy-bottomed saucepan Candy thermometer Parchment paper Silicone chocolate molds (optional) Mixing bowls Spatula Large platter
Allergen Information
Contains soy and dairy (chocolate) May contain traces of nuts if chocolates are processed in shared facilities Corn syrup may not be suitable for those with corn allergies Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 280 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 50 g Protein 2 g per serving
Save This dazzling dessert is perfect for holiday celebrations making your table both festive and delicious.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve the perfect hard crack stage for rock candy?
Heat the sugar mixture to 300°F (150°C) without stirring once boiling. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy to ensure the candy sets hard and crisp.
- → Can I use different flavors for the rock candy syrup?
Yes, extracts like peppermint, cherry, lemon, orange, almond, or vanilla can be added to customize flavorings to your preference.
- → What is the best way to prevent rock candy pieces from sticking?
Lightly dust the cooled surface and the candy shards with powdered sugar to minimize sticking and ease handling.
- → How can I create the marbled effect with the holiday chocolates?
Melt dark and white chocolates separately, then pour and swirl them gently on parchment or silicone molds before setting.
- → What are some good pairing suggestions for serving this candy display?
Pair with sparkling wine, rich hot chocolate, or warm spiced tea to complement the sweet and festive flavors.
- → How should I store the candy display if not serving immediately?
Store candy components separately in airtight containers to preserve texture and prevent flavor mixing until serving.