Update: For the most reliable recipe I have tried yet, check out my 2012 candy corn batch.
So I mentioned that I was going to try the marshmallow based homemade candy corn recipe. Here's how it turned out. It was certainly easier than the cooked version, other than I did have to make my marshmallows from scratch. I used a half batch of my Lyle's based marshmallow recipe, using invert syrup and substituting 2 tbsp honey for that much syrup. Turned out good mallows with a just a hint of honey flavor. The candy corn recipe is pretty simple. Melt 8 oz of mini marshmallows with 2 tbsp water, then stir and knead in about 1 pound of powdered sugar until smooth and supple. If you use too much it will get stiff and difficult to work. Then it's the same job of kneading in some color, rolling out some ropes and sticking together (it may take water to stick this kind together), and cutting into corns. I added a touch more sugar than I think it needed so mine got stiff after a while. The recipe I used is here. The kids loved it, but it's candy and they're not too picky since it is such a special treat. ☺ I definitely prefer the cooked version. It may be persnickety on temperature, but the results have better flavor and creaminess.
So I mentioned that I was going to try the marshmallow based homemade candy corn recipe. Here's how it turned out. It was certainly easier than the cooked version, other than I did have to make my marshmallows from scratch. I used a half batch of my Lyle's based marshmallow recipe, using invert syrup and substituting 2 tbsp honey for that much syrup. Turned out good mallows with a just a hint of honey flavor. The candy corn recipe is pretty simple. Melt 8 oz of mini marshmallows with 2 tbsp water, then stir and knead in about 1 pound of powdered sugar until smooth and supple. If you use too much it will get stiff and difficult to work. Then it's the same job of kneading in some color, rolling out some ropes and sticking together (it may take water to stick this kind together), and cutting into corns. I added a touch more sugar than I think it needed so mine got stiff after a while. The recipe I used is here. The kids loved it, but it's candy and they're not too picky since it is such a special treat. ☺ I definitely prefer the cooked version. It may be persnickety on temperature, but the results have better flavor and creaminess.
Winner: cooked mellow creme candy corn
This year's batch:
Now I usually love Alton Brown's recipes, and his candy corn recipe is almost identical to a half batch of the one I use. I tried his recipe twice and it turned into hard cream candy. Went back to mine and did fine. I think it may be the different amount of water and the ingredients I have to use. Definitely powder the dry milk fine if using instant or the measurement is off. The milk protein gives the corn that bit of chewiness.
I can not believe that you made your own candy corn. Seriously. I can't believe it. You rock.
ReplyDeleteLOL, with my daughter's corn allergy, homemade is the only way to avoid the corn syrup in most commercial candies. I have found some great options made with tapioca syrup, but never yet a candy corn.
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed with your skills! Seriously, I read through these posts and I don't even think I could find the ingredients - much less make what you can do! Very cool!
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