Wrapping Candies
Such candies as caramels, certain kinds of taffies, and even chocolates
are often wrapped in waxed paper, especially if they are to be packed in boxes. When this is to be done,
cut the paper into pieces of the proper size and then wrap each piece separately. The best way to prepare
the paper is to fold several sheets until they are the desired size and then, as in Fig. 3, cut them with a
sharp knife. If a pair of scissors is used for this purpose, they are apt to slip and cut the paper crooked.
The method of wrapping depends on the candy itself. Caramels are wrapped in square pieces whose
ends are folded in neatly, as in Fig. 4, while taffy in the form of kisses is rolled in the paper and the ends
are twisted to fasten the wrapping.
TAFFY is probably one of the simplest candies that can be made. Indeed, if candy of this kind is
boiled long enough, it is almost impossible to have unsatisfactory results. Taffies are usually made from
white sugar, but a variety of flavors may be obtained by the use of different ingredients and flavors.
For instance, molasses is used for some taffies, maple sirup for others, and brown sugar for others, and all of
these offer an opportunity for variety. Then, again, taffy made from white sugar may be varied by means
of many delightful colors and flavors. Melted chocolate or cocoa also makes a delightful chocolate-
flavored taffy. Recipes for all of these varieties are here given, together with a number of recipes for
closely related confections, such as butter scotch, glacé nuts and fruits, peanut brittle, and nut bars.
METHODS OF TREATING TAFFY.--Taffy may be poured out in a pan, allowed to become
entirely cold, and then broken into irregular pieces for serving, or it may be pulled and then cut in small
pieces with a pair of scissors. If it is to be pulled, it should be poured from the pan in which it is cooked
into flat pans or plates and set aside to cool.
As soon as it is cool enough to handle, it may be taken from the pans and pulled. It will be found that the
edges will cool and harden first. These should be pulled toward the center and folded so that they will warm
against the center and form a new edge. If this is done two or three times during the cooling, the candy will
cool evenly and be ready to take up into the hands.
The pulling may then begin at once. If it has been cooked enough, it will not stick to the hands
during the pulling. It is usually wise, however, to take the precaution of dusting the hands with corn
starch before starting to pull the candy. Grease should never be used for this purpose. When taffy is
made in quantities, the work of pulling it is greatly lessened by stretching it over a large hook fastened
securely to a wall.
|