Rock Candy

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Servings: 1 Difficulty: Intermediate
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Grown-at-home sugary crystals perfect for parties and science experiments
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Rock Candy

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 1 Calories: 64.5

Description

Rock candy is a timeless treat that transforms simple sugar and water into large, edible crystals through the magic of supersaturation. This project is as much about the process as the result, offering a fascinating look at chemistry in the kitchen. The resulting crystals are intensely sweet and crunchy, making them perfect for sipping with hot chocolate or serving as festive decorations for holiday parties. While traditional rock candy is just sugar, adding food coloring creates vibrant, eye-catching sticks that delight children and adults alike. It requires patience rather than complex cooking skills, making it an ideal activity for rainy days or educational science projects. The final product is a pure, unadulterated sweetness that feels luxurious and handmade.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Tie a short piece of cotton string to the middle of the pencil or stick.
  2. Attach a paper clip to the end of the string to act as a weight.
  3. Moisten the string very lightly and roll it in a small amount of sugar to create nucleation sites.
  4. Place the pencil or stick horizontally over the top of the clean glass or jar, ensuring the string hangs down inside without touching the bottom or sides.
  5. In a saucepan, heat the water to a boil and stir in the 2 cups of sugar until completely dissolved.
  6. To encourage faster crystal growth, continue heating the solution and add additional sugar until no more will dissolve.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in a few drops of food coloring if desired.
  8. Carefully pour the hot sugar solution into the prepared glass or jar.
  9. Leave the jar undisturbed in a cool, stable location for several days to a week until large crystals form.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 64.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3.0g5%
Saturated Fat 0.4g2%
Cholesterol 5.8mg2%
Sodium 116.8mg5%
Total Carbohydrate 7.2g3%
Dietary Fiber 0.4g2%
Sugars 0.1g
Protein 2.8g6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: rock candy, sugar crystals, science experiment, supersaturated solution, homemade candy, crystal growing, sweet treat, party favor, kitchen science, edible craft, sugar syrup, food coloring, stick candy, crunchy dessert, DIY candy, holiday treat, children activity, patience project, simple recipe, crystallization
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