Anise Candy

Name: Anise Candy
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 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

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

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.

Editor's Note

We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.