When your not in the spirit for extra sweet, sugary treats, this hard candy is perfect to satisfy your craving. Honey is a remarkable ingredient and far better from a health perspective than refined white sugar. It is a delightful alternative for making these hard candies and is so versatile. It boils down just like sugar and can shaped just like caramel but has a much warmer color and richer flavor. Any variety of honey can be used and made into just about any shape you desire. A braided twist that is cut with scissors is very pretty as a hard sucker in your mouth. Particularly nice if you have a sore throat or added to a cup of hot tea and allowed to dissolve slowly leaving a yummy honey concentrate at the bottom of your cup. Different flavorings can be added to create a new complimentary taste. Consider adding dried Lemon Rind, Crystalized Ginger, Hot Peppers, Vanilla, Pearl Sugar, Dark Chocolate, or Sesame Seeds either as a fold-in or outside sprinkle. Adding theses extra flavors while the Honey Taffy is hot will insure that they set into the candies when they cool.
Boil 1 cup of honey until it reaches 350 degrees with a candy thermometer. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t scorch and be VERY careful this is very hot!
Pour the hot Honey onto a sheet pan that is lined with greased parchment paper. Spray oil works really well. Let it sit for 1-2 min to cool slightly.
Using a spatula, begin to fold the Honey Taffy from the outer edges into the center to form into a large chunk working quickly for a bout 2 minutes.
Spray your hands with the oil spray and begin to work the taffy pulling and kneading. The Taffy will be hot so make sure you can safely knead it.
Start creating a twist and then a long cord that then can be either cut into little pastilles, braided, double twisted or made into any shape you desire.
Roll in a topping if you want aded flavors or decoration.
Store in an air tight tin and enjoy! These make a perfect little gift for the holidays.