Easter is just around the corner and we can already smell the fresh aroma of spring in the air. And what better way to celebrate this joyous occasion than with some mouth-watering old fashioned Easter candy? These delightful treats will surely make your Easter celebration even more special and memorable.
Recipe 1: Old Fashioned Easter Jelly Beans
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1/4 teaspoon orange extract
- Food coloring (red, green, yellow, and blue)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar has dissolved.
- Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture and continue to cook, without stirring, until it reaches 240°F (115°C).
- Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and orange extract.
- Add food coloring to the mixture until desired color is achieved.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and confectioners’ sugar together.
- Dust a baking sheet with the cornstarch mixture.
- Pour the jelly bean mixture onto the baking sheet and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Use a small spoon or knife to shape the jelly beans into small ovals.
- Roll the jelly beans in the cornstarch mixture to coat them evenly.
- Let the jelly beans dry for 24 hours before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 130
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Sugar: 25g
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Equipment:
- Saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Baking sheet
- Small spoon or knife
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these colorful jelly beans as a sweet snack or as a festive decoration for your Easter table.
Variations:
You can try different flavors for your jelly beans by using different extracts such as peppermint, almond, or coconut. You can also add some texture to your jelly beans by mixing in some shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.
Substitutions:
You can use honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup, and coconut oil or vegetable shortening instead of butter.
Storage:
Store your jelly beans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Tips:
Make sure to dust your baking sheet with the cornstarch mixture to prevent the jelly beans from sticking. You can also use a silicone mold to shape your jelly beans for a more uniform size and shape.
Notes:
Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup and use caution when pouring it onto the baking sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make these jelly beans without a candy thermometer?
A: It is not recommended, as the temperature is crucial to the texture and consistency of the candy.
Recipe 2: Old Fashioned Easter Chocolate Eggs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Assorted decorative sprinkles
Instructions:
- Melt semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter in a double boiler over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla extract.
- Let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Shape the mixture into small egg shapes with your hands.
- Roll the eggs in the decorative sprinkles to coat them evenly.
- Let the eggs cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 190
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Sugar: 12g
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Equipment:
- Double boiler
- Baking sheet
Serving Suggestions:
These delicious chocolate eggs are the perfect addition to any Easter basket or as a sweet treat for your guests.
Variations:
You can add some crunch to your chocolate eggs by mixing in some chopped nuts or crispy rice cereal. You can also use white chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor.
Substitutions:
You can use coconut cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and coconut oil or vegetable shortening instead of butter.
Storage:
Store your chocolate eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips:
Make sure to use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture. You can also use a silicone mold to shape your chocolate eggs for a more uniform size and shape.
Notes:
If the chocolate mixture is too soft to shape, let it cool in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use different types of sprinkles?
A: Yes, you can use any type of decorative sprinkles or crushed candy for your chocolate eggs.
Conclusion
These old fashioned Easter candy recipes are sure to bring some sweetness to your holiday celebration. Whether you prefer jelly beans or chocolate eggs, both of these recipes are easy to make and delicious to eat. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family and friends with these delightful treats. Happy Easter!