Watermelon Taffy for the late summer

A lot of us can agree that Trader's Joe is a great spot for snacks. This summer they were selling saltwater taffy and I was addicted. This pandemic laid off and furloughed many of us including me still wondering what to do with all the new time on our hands. I decided why not make my own taffy.

I researched a few recipes and came up with my own version. I think it's the best way to start and then eventually you work your way to your preferred taste.

Ingredients you will need:

2 cups of white sugar

2/3 cup of light corn syrup

1/2 cup of water

1 tablespoon of corn starch

a few good pinches of Himalayan Salt

1 tablespoon of unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

1 and 1/2 teaspoons of your preferred flavored extract (in this case watermelon)

Food coloring

Candy Thermometer

Wax paper

Most importantly cooking spray!

I mention how important cooking spray is because taffy gets real sticky real fast if you don't have greasy hands.

Begin getting a good size pot for your mixing and melting. Place your candy thermometer (a lot of these you are able to attach to the pot which I personally think it makes it a lot easier to monitor). Pour the sugar.

(You are going to need a few tools. A whisk and a sifter!)

Candy Thermometer

Your tools

Sift the cornstarch into the sugar, I eyeballed the salt in (I feel like this comes to your preferred taste), and whisk all dry ingredients together. Pour all your wet ingredients in, water, syrup, extract, and butter (room temperature). Turn your flame to medium high and whisk away! I had boiled until it reached 240F because I prefer it really chewy and sticky. It firms a little the next day but if you prefer firmer I wouldn't exceed 250F.

After it reaches the temperature you want, turn off the flame, whisk your food coloring, pour the mixture onto something heat proof and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Before pouring, spray the cooking spray on the surface. Spray the cooking spray on your hands and have the cap off so you can be ready to keep spraying anytime you need. After it's cool down, start stretching away, folding and stretching until you feel the texture. I did this for about a little over ten minutes.

Divide it into 2 thick rows and get a good sharp knife to cut the pieces. Set aside wax paper before so you can start rolling each candy piece. Depending how small you cut these pieces you can make up to over 30 pieces.

I'm really happy how this recipe came out and I can't wait to make it better. For now, chewing watermelon flavored taffy has been my favorite and most dangerous snacking.

Happy chewing! :)