🍬 Kool-Aid Taffy 🌈
Ingredients:
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (60ml) light corn syrup
1/4 cup (60ml) water
1 packet (0.14 oz / ~4g) unsweetened Kool-Aid drink mix (any flavor)
1/4 tsp flavorless oil (vegetable, canola, or coconut oil)
Optional: a few drops of food coloring to match your Kool-Aid flavor
Instructions:
Prepare Your Workspace: Lightly oil a silicone mat or clean countertop with flavorless oil to prevent sticking. Have your Kool-Aid packet and other ingredients ready before you begin.
Combine Sugar Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently to mix.
Cook the Candy: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Once boiling, clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan (if using). Cook until it reaches the "hard crack" stage, about 300°F (150°C). This usually takes around 8–10 minutes.
Add Flavor & Color: As soon as the mixture reaches temperature, remove from heat. Quickly stir in the Kool-Aid powder and optional food coloring. The mixture will bubble up slightly—be careful not to burn yourself.
Pour and Cool: Carefully pour the hot candy onto your prepared surface. Let it cool undisturbed for 10–15 minutes, or until it's warm but manageable by hand.
Stretch the Taffy: Once cool enough to handle, use oiled hands to pull and fold the candy repeatedly. Stretch it like taffy until it becomes shiny and firm—this gives it that signature chewy texture.
Shape and Cut: Continue pulling and twisting into long ropes. Cut into bite-sized pieces using kitchen shears or a knife lightly coated in oil.
Store: Wrap each piece in wax paper or store in an airtight container to keep them from sticking together.