Save A festive dessert platter featuring a colorful assortment of homemade rock candies holiday-themed chocolates and sparkling sugar confections perfect for adding a sweet eye-catching centerpiece to your holiday table
A festive dessert platter featuring a colorful assortment of homemade rock candies holiday-themed chocolates and sparkling sugar confections perfect for adding a sweet eye-catching centerpiece to your holiday table
Ingredients
- Rock Candy: 2 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup water 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/2 tsp flavored extract (peppermint cherry or lemon) Food coloring (red green or as desired) Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Holiday Chocolates: 200 g high-quality dark chocolate chopped 100 g white chocolate chopped Holiday sprinkles or edible glitter
- Sugar Confections: 1 cup assorted gumdrops 1/2 cup candied fruit (cherries orange peel etc) 1/2 cup sparkling sugar or edible glitter
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly dust with powdered sugar
- Step 2:
- For the rock candy combine granulated sugar water and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan Stir constantly over medium heat until sugar dissolves
- Step 3:
- Increase heat and bring to a boil without stirring Continue cooking until mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage)
- Step 4:
- Remove from heat immediately Add flavored extract and a few drops of chosen food coloring Swirl gently to combine
- Step 5:
- Carefully pour the hot syrup onto the prepared baking sheet Let cool for 510 minutes then use a buttered knife to score into pieces or break into shards once fully set (about 1 hour) Dust with more powdered sugar to prevent sticking
- Step 6:
- For holiday chocolates melt dark and white chocolate separately using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts
- Step 7:
- Pour melted chocolates into festive silicone molds or spread onto parchment swirling white into dark for a marbled effect Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles or edible glitter Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm then unmold or break into pieces
- Step 8:
- Arrange rock candy chocolates gumdrops candied fruit and sparkling sugar on a large platter in a decorative holiday pattern Serve immediately or store candies in airtight containers
Save This dessert always brings smiles at our family gatherings with its vibrant colors and festive flavors
Required Tools
Heavy-bottomed saucepan Candy thermometer Parchment paper Silicone chocolate molds (optional) Mixing bowls Spatula Large platter
Allergen Information
Contains soy and dairy (chocolate) May contain traces of nuts if chocolates are processed in shared facilities Corn syrup may not be suitable for those with corn allergies Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 280 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 50 g Protein 2 g (per serving)
Save This rock candy display is the perfect festive treat to delight guests and brighten your holiday celebrations
Common Questions
- → How do I achieve the perfect hard crack stage for rock candy?
Cook the sugar mixture to 300°F (150°C) without stirring, using a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy for firm, crunchy shards.
- → What flavor extracts work best with the candies?
Peppermint, cherry, lemon, orange, almond, and vanilla extracts add distinctive festive notes to the rock candy.
- → How can I create marbled holiday chocolates?
Melt dark and white chocolates separately, then swirl them together in silicone molds before setting for a festive marbled effect.
- → What is the best way to prevent rock candy pieces from sticking?
Dust the set rock candy with powdered sugar after cooling to prevent sticking and ease handling.
- → How should I store the display to preserve freshness?
Keep candies in airtight containers separately to maintain individual flavors and textures over time.
- → Can this dessert display accommodate dietary restrictions?
It is vegetarian but contains soy and dairy from chocolates; check for possible nut traces and corn syrup allergens.