Brighten your holiday table with a colorful assortment of rock candy, chocolates, and sparkling sugar treats.
# Ingredient List:
→ Rock Candy
01 - 2 cups granulated sugar
02 - ¾ cup water
03 - ½ cup light corn syrup
04 - ½ teaspoon flavored extract (peppermint, cherry, or lemon)
05 - Food coloring (red, green, or as desired)
06 - Powdered sugar for dusting
→ Holiday Chocolates
07 - 7 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
08 - 3.5 ounces white chocolate, chopped
09 - Holiday sprinkles or edible glitter
→ Sugar Confections
10 - 1 cup assorted gumdrops
11 - ½ cup candied fruit (cherries, orange peel, etc.)
12 - ½ cup sparkling sugar or edible glitter
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly dust them with powdered sugar.
02 - Combine granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves.
03 - Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Continue cooking until the temperature reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
04 - Remove from heat immediately. Stir in the flavored extract and a few drops of selected food coloring, swirling gently to combine.
05 - Carefully pour the hot syrup onto the prepared baking sheets. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then score into pieces with a buttered knife or break into shards once fully set (approximately 1 hour). Dust with additional powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
06 - Melt dark and white chocolates separately using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals to avoid burning.
07 - Pour the melted chocolates into festive silicone molds or spread onto parchment paper, swirling white chocolate into dark for a marbled appearance. Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles or edible glitter. Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm, then unmold or break into pieces.
08 - Arrange rock candy shards, holiday chocolates, gumdrops, candied fruit, and sparkling sugar on a large platter in an appealing holiday-themed pattern. Serve immediately or store candies in airtight containers.
