Candy Recipes

Lump of Coal Candy

This makes a great stocking stuffer.

Parents used to threaten children that if they were not good, Santa would leave nothing but a lump of coal for them!

2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon black paste food color
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon anise extract

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil, extending edges over the sides of pan. Lightly grease foil with butter.

Combine sugar, corn syrup and water in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a boil, being careful not to splash sugar mixture on side of pan. Cook about 15 minutes until a candy thermometer registers 290 degrees F, without stirring.

Immediately remove from heat. Stir in anise extract and food color. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Cool completely.

Lift candy out of pan using foil. Place candy between 2 layers of heavy-duty foil. Pound with mallet to break candy into 1- to 2-inch pieces.