Grandma’s Christmas Candy

Method:

1. Prepare the Pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Keep it nearby for quick use.
2. Combine Sugar and Syrup: In a medium saucepan, mix sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add Peanuts: Stir in the peanuts and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage) on a candy thermometer. This step ensures the brittle will harden properly.
4. Add Butter and Baking Soda: Remove from heat and quickly stir in the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam slightly—this is normal and creates a light, airy texture.
5. Pour and Spread: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it thinly and evenly.
6. Cool and Break: Let the brittle cool completely (about 30 minutes). Once hardened, break it into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Recipe 3: Old-Fashioned Caramels

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: Sea salt for sprinkling

Method:

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges hang over for easy removal. Lightly grease the lining.
2. Heat the Butter and Sugar: In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth.
3. Cook the Mixture: Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk while stirring continuously. Attach a candy thermometer and cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches 245°F (firm-ball stage). This ensures the caramels will hold their shape when cooled.
4. Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. If you’d like salted caramels, sprinkle sea salt over the top.
5. Pour and Cool: Pour the caramel into the prepared pan and let it cool completely at room temperature (2-3 hours).
6. Cut and Wrap: Lift the caramel slab out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into small squares and wrap each piece in wax paper for individual servings.

Tips for Success

• Use a Candy Thermometer: Precision is key when making candy. A candy thermometer ensures you hit the right temperature for each recipe.
• Prepare Ahead: Have all your ingredients and tools ready before you start, as candy-making moves quickly.
• Work Safely: Hot sugar can cause burns, so handle with care and keep children at a safe distance during the cooking process.
• Store Properly: Keep candy in airtight containers at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Bringing the Tradition to Life

Grandma’s Christmas Candy isn’t just about the sweets—it’s about the experience. Gather your family, play holiday music, and make a day of it. Let children help with simple tasks like sprinkling salt or wrapping caramels. These small moments will create memories as sweet as the candy itself.

This Christmas, skip the store-bought chocolates and bring back the joy of homemade confections. By following these recipes, you’ll honor tradition, share love, and spread holiday cheer—just like Grandma did.