Making ribbon candy is a simple but tedious process. Since the candy hardens quickly, the job of pulling candy and forming the ribbon is made easier when you have helpers in the kitchen.
Ribbon candy is commonly tri-colored and either made into peppermint or cinnamon flavor.
Instructions
1. Grease cookie sheets. Rub a stick of butter in effort to coat each of the three cookie sheets. Set them aside.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water and syrup then bring it to a boil over medium to high heat.
3. Insert the candy thermometer. Stir constantly for 20 minutes or until the candy's temperature reaches 280 degrees.
4. Remove it from the heat, as soon as the candy reaches the proper temperature. Stir in the peppermint or cinnamon extract.
5. Divide the candy into thirds. Pour and spread one-third of the candy onto a cookie sheet. Pour another one-third portion onto another cookie sheet.
6. Add food coloring paste and blend the color thoroughly and spread it onto the cookie sheet. Add the second color to the remaining portion and spread it onto the last cookie sheet.
7. Allow the candy to cool at room temperature. While cooling, lift the edges using a metal spatula. Candy will be ready for shaping when it no longer sticks to the spatula.
8. Prepare the candy for pulling. Spray the gloves with cooking spray before putting them on your hands. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
9. Pull the candy. Pull and twist the colored candy until both are a lighter color. Shape each color into a 6-inch rope. Pull and twist the uncolored portion until it turns white. With a helper, the pulling and twisting process should not exceed 5 minutes.
10. Combine the candy ropes. Place all three ropes side by side on a buttered cookie sheet. With the white rope in the center, press all three colors together to form a tri-colored rope.
11. Form the ribbon. Stretch and flatten candy rope until the "ribbon" is at least 1 inch wide.
12. Return the candy to the 200 degree oven to soften it for 2 to 3 minutes.
13. Fold. Cut the softened candy into 6-inch lengths. Fold each piece into an accordion-style fold.
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