🌈 Kool-Aid Taffy Delight 🍬
Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1 (0.12 oz) packet unsweetened Kool-Aid powder (any flavor of your choice)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking spray or butter, for greasing hands and surfaces
Instructions:
Prepare Your Workspace: Lightly grease a baking sheet, silicone mat, or piece of parchment paper with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the taffy from sticking as it cools. Also, grease your hands and any utensils you’ll use to handle the taffy later.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil.
Cook to Soft-Ball Stage: Insert a candy thermometer and continue cooking the mixture without stirring until it reaches 250°F (soft-ball stage). This should take about 10–15 minutes. Keep an eye on the pot to avoid burning.
Add Flavor and Color: Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the Kool-Aid powder, vanilla extract, and salt. The mixture will bubble slightly as you mix, so be cautious. The Kool-Aid will naturally color the taffy, creating a bright and inviting hue.
Cool Slightly: Allow the mixture to cool for 2–3 minutes, just until it’s safe to handle but still pliable.
Stretch the Taffy: Grease your hands thoroughly and begin pulling and stretching the taffy. Stretch it repeatedly for about 5–10 minutes, folding it back onto itself each time. As you work, the taffy will become lighter in color, glossier, and more elastic.
Shape and Cut: Once the taffy is stretchy and smooth, roll it into a long rope about 1/2-inch thick. Use greased scissors or a knife to cut the rope into bite-sized pieces.
Wrap and Store: Wrap each piece of taffy in wax paper or plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.