Description
Kentucky Cream Pull Candy celebrates classic Appalachian confectionery with rich, silky strands pulled to glossy perfection. Nostalgic sweetness and traditional craftsmanship invite you to savor a delightful slice of Southern culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract (or peppermint extract for a minty variation)
- 1/8 tsp (0.6 ml) baking soda
- Butter (for greasing hands and surfaces)
Instructions
- Preparation: Combine heavy cream, sugar, and butter in a medium saucepan, stirring gently over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture becomes uniform.
- Boiling Stage: Continue heating, carefully monitoring temperature until mixture reaches soft ball stage (234-240°F), stirring consistently for 5-10 minutes to prevent scorching.
- Flavor Integration: Remove from heat, swiftly incorporate vanilla extract and salt, then allow mixture to cool briefly until comfortably handleable.
- Pulling Technique: Liberally butter hands to prevent adhesion, then initiate the candy pulling process by rhythmically stretching and folding the mixture with deliberate, consistent motions.
- Texture Transformation: Persist with pulling method, observing the gradual metamorphosis from liquid to glossy, resilient candy substance that becomes increasingly resistant to manipulation.
- Shaping and Cutting: Once the candy develops a luminous, firm consistency after 10-15 minutes of dedicated pulling, carefully elongate into slender, symmetrical ropes and slice into delicate bite-sized segments using a sharp implement.
- Cooling and Setting: Position freshly crafted candies at room temperature, allowing complete cooling and enabling the development of their signature smooth, creamy texture before presentation.
Notes
- Butter Hands Wisely: Liberally coat hands with butter before pulling candy to prevent scorching and sticky residue during the stretching process.
- Temperature Watch: Use a candy thermometer for precise soft ball stage measurement between 234-240°F, ensuring perfect candy consistency without burning.
- Pulling Technique Matters: Maintain consistent, rhythmic stretching motions during the 10-15 minute pulling phase to develop the signature glossy, smooth texture.
- Storage Secret: Store pulled candies in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 138
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg