The candies are a real treat in their own right, but by melting them you can create many new tasty treats. As you continue reading, you will find that melting hard candies is simple and takes very little time. This article is suitable for both those in a hurry and those with perfectionist ambitions.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Melt the Hard Candies Using the Microwave
Step 1. Place 4 candies in a microwave safe container
If possible, use a container with a spout that allows you to pour the melted sugar easily. Alternatively, you can use a tureen.
- If you want to melt more than 4 candies at a time, you will need to set a longer time on the oven.
- Four candies equals about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of liquid.
- Melted sugar will reach very high temperatures, so it's best to use a container with a handle to avoid burning yourself when handling it.
- A graduated Pyrex dispenser is ideal. However, if you need to melt a lot of candy, it's important to let it cool down between uses.
Step 2. Set the oven to 80% of maximum power and melt the candies
Initially heat them for about 1 minute. Microwaves aren't all the same, so you'll need to adjust the settings to suit your specific model. The 4 candies should melt at the same time.
If after a minute the candies are still not completely melted, continue heating them at intervals of 15 seconds. If the candies are many and you have to proceed several times, directly set the time you had to use to melt the first ones
Step 3. Remove the container from the microwave very carefully
Melted sugar reaches very high temperatures, so handle the container carefully using an oven mitt or kitchen towel as it may have overheated.
The sugar will solidify within minutes, so you need to act fast. If it hardens again, reheat it every 15 seconds until it becomes liquid again
Method 2 of 3: Melt the Hard Candies Using the Oven
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 175 ° C
Some recipes give different indications and it is a plausible choice, but at this temperature the candies will melt in less time.
Step 2. Discard the candies and place them in an oven-safe container while the latter heats up
Add a few more candies than required by the recipe, to have more available. Make sure the candies don't get too close to the edge of the container to prevent the sugar from spilling out once it's melted.
- Spread the candies into the container to make sure they melt evenly. Make sure they are all on the same level.
- If there are no gaps, you can estimate that the volume of the melted candies will be about half of the initial one.
Step 3. Heat the candies in the oven for 10-12 minutes
Do not mix. Liquid sugar should be mixed as little as possible to prevent air bubbles from forming, especially if you intend to use it to wax thin layers, for example to caramelize fruit. In fact, the presence of air bubbles could break the sugar layer after it hardens.
Step 4. Remove the candies from the oven when they have melted
Start keeping an eye on liquid sugar when almost 10 minutes have passed. You will need to remove the container from the oven as soon as the candies are completely melted. If you leave them in the oven for too long, the melted sugar will begin to boil. Don't forget to wear oven mitts.
- Use the melted sugar immediately. Leave the oven on as it might help if the sugar hardens again. You will only have a few minutes before it starts to solidify, so you need to act fast.
- If the sugar hardens before you have had time to use it as you wanted, return it to the hot oven for 2-3 minutes.
Method 3 of 3: Use Loose Candies
Step 1. Use a mold to reshape the candy
You can make themed candies using a mold for cake and dessert decorations. Let the sugar cool and solidify at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Make sure the mold is resistant to high temperatures. Some plastic or chocolate molds may melt due to the high temperature of the melted sugar
Step 2. Candy the apples
Preparing caramelized apples with this method is very simple. Dip them one at a time in the melted sugar and let them drain over the container for about 30 seconds or until they stop dripping. Place the caramelized apples on a plate or on a sheet of non-stick paper and let them cool for 10-15 minutes.
- If the melted sugar level doesn't allow you to dip more apples, you can transfer it to a small, deep container. Alternatively, you can pour the sugar directly on the apples, but you will get a less accurate result.
- Skewer the caramelized apples with a skewer or wooden stick for easy handling and eating without getting dirty.
- It takes about 12 hard candies to caramelize an apple.
Step 3. Prepare the lollipops
Use the special molds and sticks sold in pastry shops, they are very easy to use. All you have to do is pour the melted sugar into the mold that includes the sticks.
- You can use either of the methods described above to melt hard candies and make lollipops with melted sugar.
- When the sugar is completely solid again, you will have obtained many delicious round-shaped lollipops.
Step 4. Use melted sugar to sweeten your favorite drinks
Melted sugar dissolves on contact with another liquid, such as an alcoholic beverage. About 12 hard candies are needed to make 225ml of melted sugar, which is the right amount to sweeten a drink.
- You can use melted sugar to sweeten tea. Wait until it has cooled down before you start sipping your great fruity tea.
- If the drink is cold, the liquid sugar will dissolve more slowly. If you're in a hurry, you can heat it up before adding the sugar.
Advice
If there are air bubbles in the sugar, you can pop them using a small metal spoon or toothpick
Warnings
- Don't leave the oven or microwave unattended while the candy melts.
- Make sure the decoration mold is suitable for high temperatures before pouring the boiling sugar in, otherwise it may melt.
