Edible glass is an enchanting and fun culinary craft that not only dazzles the eyes but also stimulates the taste buds. This whimsical recipe allows you to create glass-like candy that can be used for decoration or as a unique treat for special occasions. With its shimmering, transparent appearance, edible glass elevates desserts and pastries to a whole new level, delighting both kids and adults alike. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients. So gather your supplies and prepare for a sweet adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Edible Glass
- Visually Stunning: Mimics real glass with its crystalline structure.
- Customizable Flavors: Infuse with your favorite extracts for unique tastes.
- Great for Decor: Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and other confections.
- Fun for All Ages: A delightful activity for families and kids.
- Easy to Make: Requires minimal ingredients and kitchen tools.
Materials
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- Food coloring (optional)
- Flavor extracts (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Candy thermometer
- Rubber spatula
Full Step-by-Step
1. Prepare Your Workspace
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients
- In a saucepan, mix granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water.
3. Cook the Mixture
- Over medium heat, stir until the sugar dissolves.
4. Monitor the Temperature
- Once combined, stop stirring and use a candy thermometer to heat the mixture to 300°F (hard crack stage).
5. Add Color and Flavor
- Quickly add food coloring and flavor extracts if desired; stir gently to combine.
6. Pour and Cool
- Carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly.
7. Allow to Set
- Let the glass cool completely at room temperature until solid.
8. Shatter and Use
- Once hardened, break the glass into shards for decorating desserts.
Tips & Variations
- Flavor Swaps: Experiment with different extracts like vanilla, almond, or mint for various flavors.
- Color Customization: Use multiple food coloring shades to create a rainbow effect.
- Texture Trick: For a more textured look, sprinkle edible glitter on top before it sets.
- Storage: Keep broken pieces in an airtight container to ensure crunchiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
No, brown sugar has molasses which affects the texture. Stick to granulated sugar for best results.
2. What can I use as a substitute for corn syrup?
Light honey or agave syrup can be used, but the final product may differ slightly in texture.
3. How long will the edible glass last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, edible glass can last up to two weeks.
4. What happens if I accidentally overcook the mixture?
If overcooked, the glass will become too brittle and may burn, resulting in a bitter taste.
Suggestions
- Use edible glass pieces as garnish on desserts like cheesecakes and mousse.
- Crush the glass into granules and mix with powdered sugar for a sparkling dust to dust over cakes.
- Create themed edible glass for holidays like Christmas or Halloween in festive colors.
Final Thoughts
Creating edible glass is a delightful and visually striking craft that brings both fun and flavor to your kitchen adventures. Whether used as a dazzling decoration or a tasty treat, it’s sure to impress your guests. We’d love to see your creations or hear your thoughts, so feel free to share your versions or leave a comment below! Happy crafting!
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Edible Glass
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A whimsical recipe for making edible glass candy for decoration or unique treats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- Food coloring (optional)
- Flavor extracts (optional)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a saucepan, mix granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Over medium heat, stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Once combined, stop stirring and use a candy thermometer to heat the mixture to 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Quickly add food coloring and flavor extracts if desired; stir gently to combine.
- Carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly.
- Let the glass cool completely at room temperature until solid.
- Once hardened, break the glass into shards for decorating desserts.
Notes
Flavor Swaps: Experiment with different extracts like vanilla, almond, or mint for various flavors. Keep broken pieces in an airtight container to ensure crunchiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg