The Easiest Candies to Make: A Guide for Beginners

When it comes to creating delicious homemade treats, making candies can be both fun and rewarding. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, even beginners can craft tasty and colorful candies. In this guide, we'll explore some of the easiest candies to make, from familiar favorites like gummy bears to lesser-known delights such as fudge, and even some unique options like brittles and brigadeiros. Let's dive in!

1. Gummy Bears

Fondant gummies are one of the most straightforward candies you can make in the comfort of your own kitchen. Here’s a quick guide to creating these funnel cake favorites:

Buy Jelly Mix: Start by purchasing a good-quality jelly mix. This will serve as the base for your gummy bears. Follow Instructions: Adhering to the instructions on the package is crucial. They will guide you through the necessary steps to ensure the perfect gummy consistency. Dehydrate the Jellies: After preparing the mixture, you need to dehydrate the jellies. You can do this by either sun drying (be cautious of flies and unscrupulous boys offering to guard the jellies) or using a food dehydrator. Creative Molds: If you don’t have specific molds, you can always cut the pieces into rectangular shapes. This step adds a playful touch to your gummies. Plant-Based Options: For those who don't have access to modern supermarkets, even gelatin or algal jelly can be used as an alternative.

Alarming as it may sound, a little experience (and perhaps a boy who stands by his post) can provide valuable insights into the nuances of candy-making.

2. Fudge

Fudge is a classic treat, but it can be intimidating to make, especially with the necessity of a thermometer and precise temperature controls. However, there's an easier way:

Cheater’s Recipe: Look for the recipe on the back of the jars of marshmallow fluff. This simplified version is almost as good as following the usual method. Alternative Fudge: While this can be more creamy, it still provides the rich, indulgent taste of fudge without the hassle. Just blend together the ingredients and enjoy the result.

For those who love the traditional method, it still offers a creamy consistency, making it a top pick among home bakers.

3. High-Quality Chocolate Bars

If you’re looking for something straightforward yet luxurious, breaking up a high-quality chocolate bar is the way to go. This can be a delightful alternative to creating candy from scratch. Simply:

Choose a premium chocolate bar. Break it into pieces. Melt the chocolate and enjoy it as is, or enhance it with flavors like peppermint or orange zest.

4. Nut Brittle

Rounding out our list is the classic nut brittle, one of the easiest candies to make. Here’s how you can achieve a crunchy, sweet treat in no time:

Melt Sugar Syrup: Start by heating sugar syrup until it reaches a light amber color. It’s essential to understand how to caramelize sugar without allowing it to crystalize, but don’t worry, this is a basic skill. Stir in Nuts: Once the syrup is the right color, stir in some salted and roasted nuts. It’s a versatile candy that can be customized with various combinations of nuts and seeds.

5. Brazilian Brigadeiros

For those venturing into more elaborate candy-making, Brigadeiros offer a unique challenge. These traditional Brazilian treats are a crowd-pleaser and a bit of a labor of love:

Controlled Heating: Heat condensed milk over a medium-low flame for about 30 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent clumping and burning. This process can be tedious, so involving multiple people can be helpful. Cooling and Shaping: Once the mixture reaches the desired consistency, chill it in the fridge and then form it into balls. Roll these balls in different toppings such as cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or sprinkles for an extra flair.

With these easy candy recipes, you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating delicious treats that are both unique and in-demand. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, these candies are perfect for any occasion or simply as a fun project in the kitchen.