🍬 Kool-Aid Taffy 🍬
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup light corn syrup
1 ⅓ cups water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 packets unsweetened Kool-Aid drink mix (any flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan
Line a 17x11x1-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly grease the surface with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Whisk together until fully blended and no lumps remain.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in the corn syrup, water, and butter. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat.
4. Heat the Mixture
Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil. Once boiling begins, stop stirring to avoid crystallization. Continue heating until the temperature reaches 250°F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
5. Flavor the Taffy
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and Kool-Aid powder until completely dissolved. For multi-flavored taffy, divide the mixture into separate bowls and add different Kool-Aid flavors to each.
6. Pour and Cool
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. If using multiple flavors, swirl them slightly for a marbled effect. Let cool undisturbed for about 20 minutes , or until firm enough to handle but still pliable.
7. Shape the Taffy
Once cooled, lift the taffy from the pan using the parchment paper as a sling. Use your hands to tear or cut the taffy into small pieces. For traditional pulled taffy, stretch and fold repeatedly until the color lightens and becomes glossy. Alternatively, cut into squares and wrap individually in parchment paper.
8. Store Properly
Place the finished taffy in an airtight container at room temperature. Store for up to 2 weeks for best texture and flavor.