boo

when our kids were little, we knew every trick or treater that came to our door. 

luckily we were able to give out home made treats.

our tradition was to make sponge toffee.

crazy easy and fun to make, it's kinda like a science experiment!

 you will need a candy thermometer for this. 

2 1/2 cups of granulated  sugar

2/3 cup of white corn syrup

1/3 cup of water

  4 teaspoons of baking soda

 2 teaspoons of vanilla

in a 12-cup pot over medium heat, stir together sugar,
 corn syrup and water just until the sugar dissolves. 

the big pot seems excessive but you will absolutely need it 
when you add the baking soda later.

bring this to a boil and cook, without stirring but brushing down the side of the pot

 occasionally with a pastry brush dipped in cold water,
 until a candy thermometer reaches 300°f.
 this will take about 15 minutes.
 you brush away the sugary bits from the sides so they won't burn. 

remove from heat. standing back and averting your face, whisk in the baking soda.
 this will bubble and sputter and increase in volume. whisk in the vanilla.

pour the mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet.

i used one of our silpat sheets that we have for making candy apples...
they are brilliant and worth every cent!
 allow this to cool without disturbing for about 1 hour.
 break or cut into pieces.
you could also dip one side into melted chocolate.
enjoy!

 i just mailed a batch to our daughter in university! 

i love traditions!

happy hallowe’en! 

sweet and scary hugs,

laura 

carl laidlaw orchards