Making this old-fashioned anise candy has become an annual Christmas project for me since I first prepared this recipe at the home of a friend who made candy for a shop. To vary the recipe a little, you can substitute peppermint extract for the anise and green food coloring for red.—Jobyna Carpenter, Poulsbo, Washington
Anise Candy
Anise Candy
Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
10 min
Yield
about 1 pound (about 8 dozen)
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 teaspoons butter, softened
- 3/4 cup water
- 2/3 cup light corn syrup
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon anise extract
- Red food coloring
- 2 to 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
Directions
- Butter an 8-in. square dish with 1-1/2 teaspoons butter; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the water, corn syrup and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook for 3 minutes to dissolve any sugar crystals.
- Uncover; cook over medium-high heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage). Remove from the heat; stir in extract and food coloring.
- Pour into prepared dish. Using a sharp knife, score into 3/4-in. squares. Cool. Separate into squares, using a sharp knife if necessary. Place confectioners' sugar in a pan; add candy and roll until coated. Brush off excess sugar with a pastry brush.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
2 each: 48 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
