Seafoam
Seafoam is a classic confection featuring a crunchy, sugary exterior with a hint of nutty pecans. Its light, airy texture and sweet flavor make it a delightful treat for those who enjoy nostalgic candies or a unique homemade snack. Perfect for special occasions or as a gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the white sugar, brown sugar, and white corn syrup in a saucepan.
- Add boiling water and stir constantly until the sugars dissolve.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it reaches the hard ball stage without stirring.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, beat the egg whites separately until stiff peaks form.
- Pour the hot syrup slowly into the beaten egg whites, gently folding to combine.
- Add broken pecans and fold them into the mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper and allow to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your seafoam achieves the perfect texture, make sure to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks before adding the hot syrup. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds could work as excellent substitutes. For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract to the syrup before combining it with the egg whites. This delightful treat pairs beautifully with Hot Cocoa Drink for a cozy dessert experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve seafoam as a delightful standalone treat or use it as a topping for ice cream or cakes. It also makes a charming addition to gift baskets during the holidays. For a complete dessert experience, pair it with Rich Cocoa Fudge or serve alongside Maggie's Favorite Cranberry Cookies for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover seafoam in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can cause the seafoam to lose its texture. If the seafoam hardens, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying. For best results, consume within a week for optimal freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafoam contains roughly 648 calories, with 10g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 should I do if my seafoam mixture doesn't set?
If your seafoam doesn't set properly, it may be due to not reaching the hard ball stage during cooking. Use a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy. Alternatively, if it seems too soft, you can reheat the mixture slightly and try adding more beaten egg whites to help it firm up.
Can I make seafoam in advance?
Yes, you can make seafoam a few days in advance. Just ensure it's stored properly in an airtight container to maintain its texture. If left exposed to air, it may become chewy or sticky over time, so keep it sealed until you're ready to serve.
Is it possible to make this recipe egg-free?
While traditional seafoam requires egg whites for structure, you can experiment with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as an egg white substitute. Whip aquafaba until stiff peaks form, then follow the recipe as usual. The result may vary slightly in texture but can still be delicious.
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).