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.

Candies are confections; that is, they are sweets made by mixing and cooking sugars with other ingredients, such as milk, egg whites, fruits, nuts and flavorings. Making candy is a skill like bread baking that can be learned with time and practice.

Equipment Needs
Candy thermometer. A candy thermometer is a must for beginners. Candy thermometers are inexpensive and easy to find. It has a wooden ball on the top that allows you to adjust and read the thermometer without scalding your fingers. The thermometer is inside a glass tube and has a clip on the side that allows you to clamp it to the rim of the pan. In order to cook your candy to the correct degree, you must master the use of the candy thermometer or learn to test candy syrup with cold water.

Heavy saucepan. You will need to use a heavy pan such as an iron skillet or kettle, heavy aluminum saucepans or, for some candies, a double boiler. The correct pan choice for the type of candy is important. Sugars must heat evenly and slowly.

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