Colorful holiday platter with rock candies, festive chocolates, and sparkling sugar treats for a sweet centerpiece.
# Components:
→ Rock Candy
01 - 2 cups granulated sugar
02 - 3/4 cup water
03 - 1/2 cup light corn syrup
04 - 1/2 teaspoon flavored extract (peppermint, cherry, or lemon)
05 - Food coloring (red, green, or as desired)
06 - Powdered sugar for dusting
→ Holiday Chocolates
07 - 7 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
08 - 3.5 ounces white chocolate, chopped
09 - Holiday sprinkles or edible glitter
→ Sugar Confections
10 - 1 cup assorted gumdrops
11 - 1/2 cup candied fruit (cherries, orange peel, etc.)
12 - 1/2 cup sparkling sugar or edible glitter
# Directions:
01 - Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
02 - In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves completely.
03 - Increase heat to bring mixture to a boil without stirring. Cook until temperature reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
04 - Remove from heat immediately. Stir in flavored extract and chosen food coloring, swirling gently to combine.
05 - Pour hot syrup carefully onto prepared baking sheets. Let cool 5–10 minutes, then score with buttered knife or break into shards once fully set, about one hour. Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
06 - Melt dark and white chocolates separately using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently.
07 - Pour melted chocolates into festive silicone molds or spread on parchment paper, swirling white into dark chocolate for marbled effect. Sprinkle with holiday decorations. Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm, then unmold or break into pieces.
08 - Arrange rock candy, chocolates, gumdrops, candied fruit, and sparkling sugar on a large platter using a decorative holiday pattern. Serve immediately or store airtight.
