Betty's Orange Candy (1905) ★★★

Another orange recipe! For some reason I am really loving orange right now. This recipe is so simple - only 2 ingredients!

Original Recipe:

The Verdict:

It's okay. It mostly just tastes like sugar - the orange flavour is very subtle. Mr. Man and I decided on 3 stars, because it was edible but not that great overall. This recipe does get points for simplicity, though, although I recommend an extra pair of hands for the pulling.

Modernized Recipe:

(Adapted from A Little Cook Book for a Little Girl)

2 cups SUGAR
Juice of 1 ORANGE
Optional: additional orange extract or flavouring

1. In a medium pot, mix the sugar and orange juice on medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar, but once it starts boiling DO NOT STIR AGAIN.
2. Let the candy simmer until it reaches 270 degrees (when dropped in cold water is firm but pliable).
3. Have a greased area ready (I used a cookie sheet) and pour the candy onto it. Do not scrape the pot. Let it cool a bit and form a skin.
4. Use a spatula or pot scraper to fold the candy over itself, keeping it constantly moving. Once the candy is cool enough to handle, start pulling it. Make sure your hands are well-oiled to prevent the candy from sticking.
5. Use a stretching motion to pull the candy until it begins to hold its shape. Then start twisting the candy. Make a horseshoe shape and then twist the two halves together. Pull the candy into a long, even rope, and cut into pieces with kitchen shears or a buttered knife. Work quickly, because the candy will cool fast. Let it sit a bit and finish cooling before eating.

*Note: I suggest working half, or even a quarter of the candy at a time, because it does make a lot. You can keep the candy not in use in the oven at 200F.