Gift Recipes: Cinnamon-Flavored Rock Candy

Flickr Photo Credit: P. C. Loadletter

This one comes from a bake sale segment in the November / December 2000 issue of Quick Cooking Magazine. They are a sister magazine to Taste of Home, which I LOVE.  This candy recipe is short on ingredients and big on style. I’m putting it on my short list for home made Christmas ideas this year.

1 cup water, 3 3/4 cups sugar, 1 1/4 cups light corn syrup, 1 tsp red liquid food coloring, 1 tsp cinnamon oil, 1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar.

Line a 15 inch x 10 inch x 1 inch baking pan with foil and butter the foil. Set aside. I a large heavy saucepan, combine water, sugar, corn syrup and food coloring. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook for 3 minutes to dissolve sugar crystals. Uncover and cook on medium-high heat without stirring until a candy thermometer reads 300 degrees (hard - crack stage), about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in cinnamon oil (keep away from face as the odor is very strong).

Immediately pour onto prepared pan. Cool completely, about 45 minutes. Break into pieces using the edge of a metal mallet. Sprinkle both sides of candy with confectioner’s sugar. Store in airtight containers.  (Note: I found my cinnamon oil at a health food store that sold various essential oils. The magazine article also recommended checking pharmacies, kitchen supply and cake decorating stores.)