Easy Mexican candy recipes allow you to prepare international sweet treats at home, and you'll be sure to avoid possible contaminants that appear in imported foods. Even better, you can make these candies in less than an hour's time.
While many Mexican candy recipes call for hot spicy ingredients, some just require a little bit of sugar and then a little bit more sugar. Of course, if you choose to add hot spice or sprinkle chili powder over the candies when they're done, that's entirely up to you.
One element of the recipe you cannot adjust, however, is the proper time to make candy. Weather plays an important part in how all candy will turn out. Do not make candy on a rainy day, or the candy will remain sticky and oftentimes will not set. The reason? The humidity affects how the sugar reacts.
Authentic Mexican Candy Recipe
Considered gourmet candy by most, Dulce con Nueces, or brown sugar pralines, are sinfully delicious and yet decidedly easy to make. With only five or six ingredients, depending on whether you want sweet or you want sweet and spicy, you won't be a slave to the stove for long, but you will end up with about 24 delicious pieces of candy.
Ingredients You Will Need:
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup light cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups pecans
1 tablespoon crushed red chili peppers (optional)
Equipment You Will Need:
Large heavy-bottomed saucepan
Long-handled wooden spoon
Candy thermometer
Cookie sheet
Parchment paper
Mix the sugars and cream together in the saucepan using the wooden spoon. (Remember: Whenever using brown sugar, unless otherwise noted, the sugar should be packed into the cup.) Stir and blend well. Bring the sugar mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
Use the candy thermometer to determine the exact temperature of the candy. When the candy reaches 238 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered the soft ball stage, you can remove the pan from the heat and add the two tablespoons of butter. Mix until smooth and creamy, which is about five turns of the spoon around the pan. Immediately add the pecans and the optional chili peppers, and continue stirring for about one minute.
Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. When the candies have cooled, wrap them individually, or store them in an airtight container to keep them from becoming sticky.
 | Candy making can be fun for beginners, and the many varieties of homemade candies make it an ongoing challenge for the veteran. Christmas is the time of year most people try their hand at old-fashioned candies, such as divinity, peanut brittle, chocolate fudge, logs and southern pralines. Year round, these goodies can bring a smile of delight to the sweets lover. Valentine's Day is the perfect time for making gourmet candies like truffles, butter toffee and lollipops. Halloween calls for caramel, peanut clusters and popcorn balls. |
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If you want to impress your guests, try making these easy homemade marshmallows. They're perfect for topping off a cup of hot chocolate or for simply popping into your mouth as a quick treat. Making marshmallows is simple, and you'll savor the light, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness so much more. |
Easy homemade vegan candy like nut brittles and fruit glace can be a great addition to your kitchen repertoire. Vegans and non-vegans alike are sure to smile when they catch a glimpse, a whiff, or a taste of homemade candy. |
