Bermudian Glass Candy Treats
Bermudian Glass Candy Treats, a cherished delight among school children, are vibrant, sweet crystalline candies that bring a touch of nostalgia to any bake sale or festive gathering. This classic treat not only pleases the palate but also captures the essence of Bermudian culture. Known for their refreshing flavors and stunning transparency reminiscent of stained glass, these candies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging in! Imagine the joy of walking down the sidewalk with a piece of your favorite flavor peeking out of a cheerful waxed paper wrap, bringing smiles to your face and those around you.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
3 cups (none)
water
1/2 cup (none)
white vinegar
1 teaspoon (none)
butter
1 teaspoon (none)
food coloring
as desired (optional, choose colors like red, yellow, or green)
flavoring
as desired (optional, options include lemon, lime, or strawberry)
salt
1 pinch (none)
Instructions
1
In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine sugar, water, and vinegar. Stir gently and bring to a medium boil.
2
Continue stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. If you notice crystals forming on the sides, carefully brush them down with a wet pastry brush.
3
Maintain the boiling stage for at least 20 minutes, monitoring carefully.
4
After 20 minutes, add the butter to the mixture and cook for an additional 10 minutes, aiming to reach the 'hard crack' stage at 290°F (143°C). You can confirm this by dropping a small amount of the mixture into cold water; if it becomes hard and brittle, you are ready for the next step.
5
While the mixture cooks, prepare your muffin tin by greasing each cup thoroughly with vegetable shortening.
6
Once the candy mixture is done cooking, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Stir in your chosen food coloring and flavoring until evenly blended.
7
Carefully pour 1/8 to 1/4 inch of the candy mixture into each greased muffin cup.
8
Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature so it can harden.
9
When fully cooled, invert the muffin tin and gently tap the bottoms to release the candies, which should pop out easily.
10
Wrap each individual candy piece in waxed paper for storage or gifting.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bermudian Glass Candy?
Bermudian Glass Candy is a traditional, vibrant, and sweet crystalline treat that is particularly popular among school children in Bermuda.
What does Bermudian Glass Candy taste like?
It is a sweet treat with refreshing flavors such as lemon, lime, or strawberry, depending on the flavoring added.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 12 individual candy treats.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are sugar, water, white vinegar, butter, food coloring, flavoring, and a pinch of salt.
Why is a heavy-bottomed pot recommended?
A heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly, preventing the sugar from burning during the long boiling process.
What is the purpose of vinegar in this recipe?
Vinegar acts as an interferent, helping to prevent the sugar from recrystallizing and ensuring a smooth, clear finish.
How do I prevent sugar crystals from forming on the sides of the pot?
You can carefully brush down the sides of the pot with a wet pastry brush during the boiling process.
How long does the boiling process take?
The mixture should boil for at least 20 minutes before adding butter, and then another 10 minutes to reach the correct stage.
What temperature is the 'hard crack' stage?
The hard crack stage is reached when the candy mixture hits 290 degrees Fahrenheit (143 degrees Celsius).
How can I test for the hard crack stage without a thermometer?
Drop a small amount of the hot mixture into cold water; if it immediately becomes hard and brittle, it has reached the hard crack stage.
When should I add the butter to the candy?
Butter should be added after the mixture has boiled for 20 minutes.
What should I use to grease the muffin tin?
It is recommended to use vegetable shortening to grease each muffin cup thoroughly.
When do I add the food coloring and flavoring?
Add the coloring and flavoring after the mixture is removed from the heat and has cooled slightly.
What food coloring options are recommended?
Vibrant colors like red, yellow, and green are traditional choices for this candy.
What flavors are typically used in Bermudian Glass Candy?
Common and delicious options include lemon, lime, or strawberry extracts.
How thick should the candy pieces be?
You should pour about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of the mixture into each muffin cup.
How do I release the candies from the muffin tin?
Once completely cooled and hardened, invert the tin and gently tap the bottoms to pop the candies out.
What is the best way to store the finished candy?
Each piece should be individually wrapped in waxed paper to prevent sticking and preserve clarity.
Does this candy need to be refrigerated?
No, the candy should be allowed to cool and harden at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for bake sales?
Yes, these candies are a classic bake sale favorite due to their nostalgic appeal and colorful appearance.
Can I use different shapes of molds?
Yes, while a muffin tin is traditional for the circular shape, any greased heat-safe mold can be used.
Why is it called 'Glass Candy'?
It is called glass candy because of its stunning transparency and brittle texture that resembles stained glass.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (sugar, water, vinegar, butter, flavoring), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this candy vegan?
To make it vegan, you would need to substitute the one teaspoon of butter with a vegan butter alternative or omit it.
How long will the candy stay fresh?
When wrapped in waxed paper and stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, it can last for several weeks.
What happens if I don't grease the tin enough?
If the tin is not well-greased, the candy may stick and become difficult to remove without breaking.
Can I add multiple colors to one batch?
You can, but you must work very quickly to stir in colors before the candy begins to set in the pot.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, a single pinch of salt is included to help balance the sweetness.
Why did my candy turn out sticky?
If the candy is sticky, it likely did not reach the full hard crack temperature of 290 degrees Fahrenheit during boiling.
What is the origin of this treat?
This treat is a cherished part of Bermudian culture, often associated with childhood memories and local festivities.