Mrs. Bratcher'S Cream Candy
Mrs. Bratcher's Cream Candy offers a rich, creamy texture with a sweet, caramel-like flavor. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, it requires patience and precision, making it ideal for candy enthusiasts and families looking for a nostalgic homemade treat. The process yields crunchy, hard-candy goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy deep pan, mix sugar and salt.
- In a small bowl, mix the half and half and baking soda.
- Add this mixture to the sugar and salt in the pan.
- Blend well until combined.
- Add 1/2 cup boiling water to the mixture.
- Turn the heat to medium and begin stirring constantly.
- Stir until the mixture begins to boil.
- Stop stirring and allow it to boil without stirring further.
- Cook until the temperature reaches hard crack stage on a candy thermometer, or when dropped into cold water, it forms a firm piece that makes an audible sound when tapped.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent scorching while cooking the candy. If you don't have half and half, you can substitute with a mix of milk and cream for a similar richness. Make sure to have your candy thermometer ready, as precise temperature is crucial for achieving the hard crack stage. Always stir constantly until boiling to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Mrs. Bratcher's Cream Candy is a delightful treat on its own, but it can also be served alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider pairing it with Birthday Party Punch or including it on a dessert platter with other sweets like Blueberry Peach Coffeecake. It makes a charming gift for special occasions, beautifully presented in decorative boxes.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover cream candy, place it in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, as it can alter the texture. Properly stored, it should last for up to two weeks. If the candy becomes too hard, you can gently reheat it in a microwave for a few seconds to soften slightly before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Bratcher'S Cream Candy contains roughly 0 calories, with 0g carbohydrates. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2975mg per serving (129% 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 cream candy doesn't reach the hard crack stage?
If your candy hasn't reached the hard crack stage, you can return it to the heat and continue cooking, making sure to monitor the temperature closely. If it still doesn't set, you may need to reheat it and add a bit more sugar, stirring until dissolved before cooking it again. Patience is key!
Can I flavor the cream candy with extracts or other ingredients?
Absolutely! You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a bit of cocoa powder for chocolate cream candy when the mixture is nearly finished cooking. Just ensure that any added ingredients don’t alter the consistency too much. Experimenting with flavors can yield delightful variations of this classic candy.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
This recipe is not vegan due to the use of half and half, which contains dairy. However, you can create a vegan version by substituting the half and half with a plant-based milk and cream alternative, such as coconut cream mixed with almond milk. Adjust cooking times as necessary to achieve the desired texture.
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).