How to Make Dragon Beard Candy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Dragon beard candy, also known as long hair candy or beard candy, is a traditional Chinese candy that is known for its unique texture and appearance. It is made by stretching sugar syrup into long, thin threads, which resemble the beard of a dragon. This candy is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a popular treat for celebrations and special occasions. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your own dragon beard candy at home.
Ingredients:
To make dragon beard candy, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1/4 cup of water
– 1/4 cup of corn syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds (optional)
– A candy thermometer
Equipment:
– A heavy-bottomed saucepan
– A candy thermometer
– A pair of chopsticks or a wooden skewer
– A sheet of parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat
– A pair of tongs
Instructions:
1.
Prepare the ingredients:
Measure out the sugar, water, and corn syrup, and place them in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the vanilla extract and vegetable oil, if using.
2.
Heat the mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture constantly until the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Do not stir the mixture once it starts to boil.
3.
Monitor the temperature:
Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the mixture. The mixture should reach 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius) for hard crack stage. If the temperature drops below 250 degrees Fahrenheit, turn off the heat and wait for it to rise again.
4.
Remove from heat:
Once the mixture reaches 250 degrees Fahrenheit, remove the saucepan from the heat. Be careful, as the mixture will be very hot.
5.
Prepare the surface:
Lay out a sheet of parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat on a flat surface. Sprinkle sesame seeds on the surface, if using.
6.
Start stretching:
Hold the saucepan with one hand and use the other hand to take a small amount of the mixture with the chopsticks or wooden skewer. Gently stretch the mixture into long, thin threads, about 6 to 8 inches long. Place the threads on the prepared surface.
7.
Repeat the process:
Continue to take small amounts of the mixture and stretch it into threads, placing them on the surface. Repeat until all the mixture has been used.
8.
Let it cool:
Allow the dragon beard candy to cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
9.
Serve and enjoy:
Store the dragon beard candy in an airtight container. Enjoy this delightful treat on its own or use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
Making dragon beard candy can be a fun and rewarding experience. With this step-by-step guide, you can create your own batch of this traditional Chinese candy at home. Happy stretching!
