I saw the cutest things, edible jewels! What girl wouldn't love a jeweled tiara cake or what boy wouldn't go ga-ga over a jewel-filled pirate treasure chest??! These would make great cupcake toppers or a fun thank-you gift (give a bag full of them with a note saying, "You're a Gem!").
...The only problem is that these little "gems" cost between $12-$26 for a pack of 80. Ack!
So, I did a little hunting around and found out that you can buy a reusable hard candy jewel mold for $1.99 from Sugarcraft!! Go to http://www.sugarcraft.com/ and look for item #8H-5117. So, use this super-easy recipe for microwavable hard candy (below) and you have about 80 jewels for about 75 cents in ingredients. You can whip these little treats out in less than 10 minutes!! I bought two of the molds so I can easily whip up a large batch. The best part? They're reusable! SCORE!
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE fancy flours, they have so many fantastic products and I highly recommend them. However, $1.99 for something I can use over and over again gets my vote.
Microwave Hard Candy
Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
Food coloring, whatever color you want.
...The only problem is that these little "gems" cost between $12-$26 for a pack of 80. Ack!
So, I did a little hunting around and found out that you can buy a reusable hard candy jewel mold for $1.99 from Sugarcraft!! Go to http://www.sugarcraft.com/ and look for item #8H-5117. So, use this super-easy recipe for microwavable hard candy (below) and you have about 80 jewels for about 75 cents in ingredients. You can whip these little treats out in less than 10 minutes!! I bought two of the molds so I can easily whip up a large batch. The best part? They're reusable! SCORE!
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE fancy flours, they have so many fantastic products and I highly recommend them. However, $1.99 for something I can use over and over again gets my vote.
Microwave Hard Candy
Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
Food coloring, whatever color you want.
a few drops orange oil, if desired (or any other flavoring oil)
Directions:
Lightly spray candy mold with cooking spray.
Thoroughly mix sugar and light corn syrup in a 4-cup microwave-safe glass measure. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes and 15 seconds.
Remove from the microwave and carefully remove plastic wrap. Quickly stir the sugar mixture and then cover with a NEW sheet of plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 3 minutes and 15 seconds.
Remove from microwave, carefully remove plastic wrap and stir with a clean spoon. After boiling has ceased, stir in coloring and then flavoring.
Pour syrup quickly, but carefully onto prepared mold(s). Wait until cooled and they should pop out easily. You can repeat as often as desired. If you are only working with one mold and want to keep your extra syrup from setting up in the mixing bowl, place glass bowl in 300 degree oven while you are waiting to use it.
Directions:
Lightly spray candy mold with cooking spray.
Thoroughly mix sugar and light corn syrup in a 4-cup microwave-safe glass measure. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes and 15 seconds.
Remove from the microwave and carefully remove plastic wrap. Quickly stir the sugar mixture and then cover with a NEW sheet of plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 3 minutes and 15 seconds.
Remove from microwave, carefully remove plastic wrap and stir with a clean spoon. After boiling has ceased, stir in coloring and then flavoring.
Pour syrup quickly, but carefully onto prepared mold(s). Wait until cooled and they should pop out easily. You can repeat as often as desired. If you are only working with one mold and want to keep your extra syrup from setting up in the mixing bowl, place glass bowl in 300 degree oven while you are waiting to use it.
Modified from Icicle Candy recipe from LorAnn Oils
