Aunt Nema'S Cream Candy
A classic homemade cream candy with a creamy texture and tangy flavor from vinegar, perfect for those who enjoy nostalgic sweets and hands-on candy making.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the mixture to hard ball stage.
- Do not stir after it starts to boil, and do not scrape the pan.
- Pour the hot candy onto a genuine marble slab.
- Fold the outside edges in as the candy begins to cool.
- Once it is cool enough to handle, pull the candy like taffy.
- Cut the pulled candy into 1 to 1 1/2-inch pieces.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect hard ball stage, use a candy thermometer or drop a small amount of the boiling mixture into cold water to test. If you don't have vinegar, lemon juice can be a good substitute to maintain the acidity. Make sure your marble slab is clean and cool before pouring the candy to prevent it from sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the candy into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. You can also serve it alongside other sweets, such as Mom's Peanut Kisses or Rich Peanut Butter Cookies, for a festive dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store Aunt Nema's Cream Candy in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can cause the candy to become sticky. If the candy hardens too much, you can place it in a warm oven briefly to soften it before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Nema'S Cream Candy contains roughly 487 calories, with 1g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 533mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if my candy doesn’t reach the hard ball stage?
If your candy fails to reach the hard ball stage, you may need to boil it longer while monitoring the temperature. If it still doesn’t set, you can try reboiling it with a little more sugar added to help it firm up.
Can I add flavors or colors to my cream candy?
Absolutely! You can add a few drops of food coloring or flavor extracts like vanilla, almond, or peppermint to the mixture right before pouring it onto the marble slab. This can give your candy a unique twist and make it visually appealing.
How do I know when the candy is cool enough to handle?
You can tell the candy is cool enough to handle when it is no longer hot to the touch and starts to firm up. Typically, this will take about 5-10 minutes after pouring it onto the slab. If in doubt, test a small piece first.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).