[Sca-cooks] hard candies was Favorite Food Gift Ideas

[Johnna Holloway]

Stephanie Ross asked:
> Are hard candy suckers period?
> ~Aislinn~
The problem with sugar confections is that it is hard
to tell from many early recipes exactly what the end product
intended to be. Is it a hard clear
candy drop or a grained sugar treat? The recipes give
ingredients and one may be told to cook the mixture to a certain stage.
But often we aren't told what that stage is exactly.Modern
experts vary in their opinions too.
So is it hard crack or soft ball? Are the candies soft?
Are they hard?
The best book on the subject is back in print and in paperback--
*Sugar-Plums and Sherbet by Laura Mason*
Some of the chapters are up for viewing at
http://www.kal69.dial.pipex.com/shop/pages/isbn285.htm

Hope this helps

Johnnae
(BTW--Devra carries the book on her website if you'd like to buy it.)