Introduction: What Is Mexican Spoon Candy & Why Is It So Delicious?
Mexican spoon candy is a traditional sweet delicacy made by simmering sugar and water to create a type of soft caramel. It’s native to Mexico and is a popular way to satisfy a sweet tooth at home or to give as a gift. This tantalizing treat is made with a few basic ingredients and is served in the form of thin strips on a spoon.
The name “spoon candy” comes from the spoon-like shape the candy takes when it’s made. But it doesn’t just look good; it tastes great too! The combination of the soft caramel, the flavorings of your choice and the crunchy texture make for an irresistible treat. You can easily customize this recipe by adding different flavors, colors or toppings.
Making Mexican spoon candy is a fun family activity, so why not give it a try today and see what all the fuss is about!
Ingredients for Mexican Spoon Candy
Making Mexican spoon candy requires a few simple ingredients. The main components are sugar, honey, butter, cream, and flavorings.
Sugar is the key ingredient to making this traditional Mexican candy. You can use white or brown sugar over any other types of sweetener.
Honey is a great addition to this recipe because it adds an extra layer of sweetness as well as adding some depth to the flavor.
Butter is also necessary for the delicious texture of the spoon candy. Unsalted butter is preferable, but salted butter can be used as well.
Cream is the most important ingredient in the recipe because it provides the necessary fat content to make spoon candy. Heavy cream or half and half are both suitable for this recipe.
Finally, you will need flavorings to make your spoon candy unique. Popular flavorings for Mexican spoon candy include cinnamon, nutmeg, anise, orange, and lemon.
Preparing the Candy Syrup
Making Mexican spoon candy is a simple, but time-consuming process. It requires careful attention to detail in order to get it right. The first step towards making this delicious treat is to prepare the candy syrup.
In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of white sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved. Once that’s done, turn on the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Do not let it boil too vigorously or the syrup will burn.
Once the syrup has reached a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and stir in another cup of white sugar. Continue stirring until all the sugar has dissolved. At this point, you can also add flavorings to the syrup such as a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract.
When all the ingredients have been combined, turn the heat back up to medium and let the syrup simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the syrup and remove it from the heat once it reaches a light golden color and starts to thicken. This is your candy syrup base.
Set the syrup aside and allow it to cool, stirring occasionally as it cools. Once cooled, your syrup is ready to use.
Flavoring the Candy Syrup
Adding flavor to Mexican spoon candy is fun and easy! There are a wide variety of ingredients that can be added to the syrup to make it distinctively your own. Popular choices for flavoring include cocoa powder, vanilla extract, almond extract, anise extract, orange extract, ground cinnamon, and coffee extract. The beauty of this recipe is that it is very customizable and the possibilities of flavor combinations are truly endless!
When adding flavorings, start by stirring in just a small amount of the extract of choice. You can always add more later, but it is hard to take out once it is in. Taste test the syrup to make sure it is to your liking before continuing to spread it on the baking paper.
If using spices, consider adding the desired amount of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spice to the syrup after it has been cooked. Again, tasting the mixture after each addition helps ensure that you get the right balance for your Mexican spoon candy.
Cooking the Syrup
Making Mexican spoon candy starts with cooking the syrup. This requires combining the ingredients at the right temperature and stirring continuously to prevent burning and ensure the syrup thickens evenly. Start by adding the sugar, corn syrup, and salt to a pot and stirring them until they are all mixed together.
Next, add the water, lemon juice, and butter and place the pot on medium heat. Cook for approximately 15 minutes or until a temperature of 240°F is reached. It is important to use a candy thermometer for this step to make sure it is done correctly. Keep stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to make sure everything is mixed properly and not sticking.
When the syrup reaches 240°F, remove the pot from the heat and add any flavorings you like. This could include vanilla extract, almond extract, or any other type of extract you’d like. Stir for about one minute to mix the flavors into the syrup.
Your syrup is now cooked and ready to spread on baking paper. Be sure to let it cool a bit before you start this next step.
Spreading the Candy
One of the most important steps for making Mexican spoon candy is spreading the candy syrup on baking paper. There are a few tips and tricks you can follow to ensure that your spoon candy looks great.
- When spreading the syrup, make sure you move quickly and evenly – the syrup will harden quickly.
- Use a thin spatula or a rubber spreader to smooth out the surface and make sure it’s evenly spread.
- Once you’ve spread the syrup, sprinkle some sugar or cinnamon on top for added flavor. This is optional, but it does add a nice touch.
- Place the tray on a level surface and make sure it’s far away from any heat sources, as this can cause the sugar syrup to burn.
Keep these tips in mind when spreading the syrup and you should be able to achieve a perfect, even layer of syrup on your baking paper.
Shaping the Candy
Once the syrup has cooked, it is time to shape it. This is a crucial step in making Mexican spoon candy as it helps create the traditional spoon shape. The best way to ensure that your candy comes out looking like a spoon is to use two pieces of metal. The first piece should be around 12 inches in length and the second piece should be 6 inches. It is also important to ensure that they have rounded edges on them.
To begin, quickly pull up the edges of the syrup with the 12-inch metal piece until it forms a thin sheet. Then, pick up the 6-inch piece and carefully fold it into the shape of a spoon. Gently press the metal spoon down onto the thin sheet of syrup and hold it in place for a few seconds. This should help create the traditional spoon shape that is characteristic of Mexican spoon candy.
If desired, you can also experiment with using other tools or materials to shape your spoon candy. For example, using a spoon or a cup could also help you achieve a similar effect. However, it is important to remember that the spoon shape is a significant part of the traditional candy, so try to stay close to the original design.
Hardening the Candy
Once your candy is done cooking and it is starting to become thick and difficult to spread further, it is time to set the candy. Setting the candy will help give it the traditional spoon shape and make it safe for consumption. To get a hard and crunchy texture for the Mexican spoon candy you will need to cool the syrup down sufficiently.
To begin, ensure that you have a flat surface to place the baking paper on. Take the baking paper with the shaped candy and slowly move it off the tray, placing it onto the flat surface. Allow the candy to sit undisturbed until the syrup has cooled down and hardened into the desired shape. This could take anywhere between 15-30 minutes depending on the heat and humidity of the environment.
Once the candy has cooled you can remove it from the paper with a sharp knife. You might need to run the knife under hot water to soften the edges of the candy before it can be twisted off the baking paper. Be careful not to overheat the knife as this can cause the candy to melt and become gooey.
The Mexican spoon candy will need to be stored in an air-tight container to prevent it from becoming soft again. The container should not be placed in direct sunlight or high temperatures as this will alter the texture of the candy. Setting the candy properly will ensure that it remains crisp and crunchy for several weeks, making it perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Presentation Ideas for Mexican Spoon Candy
Mexican spoon candy looks as good as it tastes! Don’t let all your efforts go to waste when presenting this delicious treat. There are several ways you can add extra flair and presentation when serving your spoon candy.
One simple way to dress up the spoon candy is by adding colorful decorations. Use sprinkles, edible color dusts, or colored sugars to give the spoon candy a bright and cheery look. You can also place the spoon candy in small bags or boxes and decorate with ribbons and bows for special occasions.
Try using the spoon candy as part of a dessert display. Place the spoon candy in individual dishes and arrange them on a tray with other desserts like churros, tres leches cakes, and buñuelos. This is sure to be a showstopper!
You can also arrange the spoons in the traditional manner of two spoons with handles facing each other. This gives the presentation a classic feel and will certainly impress guests. Try using molds of different shapes or sizes to form the spoon shape if you’d like to try something a bit different.
No matter how you choose to present your Mexican spoon candy, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Storage Options
Making Mexican spoon candy is an activity that yields delicious results, but inadequate storage can reduce the quality and enjoyment of your treats. There are a few easy tips and tricks to ensure that the candy stays fresh for as long as possible and retains its original flavor.
The first step to properly storing your Mexican spoon candy is to wait until it has cooled completely and hardened before putting it away. If you try to store it while it is still warm, the syrup will eventually harden and crystallize, making it difficult to eat. As soon as the candy has cooled and hardened, it’s ready to be stored.
To store your Mexican spoon candy, it’s best to use an airtight container. This will keep the candy from drying out and losing its flavor. You should also make sure to keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Storing your candy in areas with high humidity can cause it to become soggy and sticky.
If you want to keep your Mexican spoon candy for a long period of time, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Doing this will help extend its shelf life and keep it fresher for longer. However, when you take the candy out of the refrigerator or freezer, it must be allowed to reach room temperature before it is eaten or served.
By following these simple storage tips, you can enjoy Mexican spoon candy that is fresh and flavorful. Taking the extra time to properly store the candy will ensure that it is enjoyed to the fullest!
Recipe Variations
Making Mexican Spoon Candy doesn’t have to be a boring task! There are plenty of ways to add a unique twist to this traditional recipe. Here are just a few ideas that you can use to spice up your spoon candy creations.
- Add different flavorings to the syrup, such as almond extract, orange blossom water, or even rose water.
- Experiment with food coloring. Try using different colors of food coloring to create colorful variations of your spoon candy.
- For an extra crunchy texture, try adding nuts, coconut flakes, diced fruit, or other treats to the syrup before cooking.
- Choose different toppings for a special finish. Sprinkle some sea salt, crushed peppermint, or grated lemon zest over the cooked candy for an extra tasty treat.
With a little creativity, you can create something truly special with your Mexican Spoon Candy! Be adventurous in the kitchen and have fun with this traditional recipe.
Conclusion
Making your own Mexican spoon candy is simple and rewarding! All you need to do is gather the right ingredients, prepare the syrup, flavour it, cook it, spread it, shape it, and set it. With a little creativity you can create amazing-looking desserts that taste great too. The best thing about making this traditional treat is that you can customize it to your liking – use your favorite flavors or try something new each time! Finally, remember to store your spoon candy properly to keep it fresh longer.
FAQ about Mexican Spoon Candy
- Q: What is Mexican Spoon Candy?
A: Mexican Spoon Candy is a traditional and exquisite Mexican sweet, which originates from the state of Michoacán. It is made of cornstarch, sugar, cream, butter, milk, and flavoring and consists of a firm consistency that forms long strips resembling miniature spoons due to its shape. - Q: Why is Mexican Spoon Candy so Delicious?
A: Mexican Spoon Candy is popular among many Latin American countries due to its texture, flavor, and aroma. It is made with ingredients such as cornstarch and sugar, combined with butter, cream, milk, and flavoring, that result in its pleasant aroma and unique flavor. The result is a soft but firm candy treat that offers a sweet and delicious flavor. - Q: What Ingredients are Necessary to Make Mexican Spoon Candy?
A: The necessary ingredients to make Mexican Spoon Candy include cornstarch, sugar, butter, cream, milk, and flavoring. - Q: What are the Steps for Making the Sweet Syrup Base of Mexican Spoon Candy?
A: The steps for preparing the sweet syrup base for Mexican Spoon Candy are: First, combine the cornstarch, sugar, and cream in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until the mixture thickens. Then, add the butter, milk, and flavoring and continue to stir until everything is well incorporated. - Q: How Do You Flavor the Candy Syrup?
A: You can flavor the candy syrup by adding your desired flavoring, like vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry essence to the mixture. - Q: What Tips and Tricks Can Be Used For Spreading the Syrup on Baking Paper?
A: To spread the syrup on baking paper, you can use a wooden spoon. Also, you can refrigerate the syrup for a few minutes to allow it to thicken and obtain a more manageable consistency. - Q: What Techniques are Used for Shaping the Candy?
A: The traditional spoon shape is obtained by pouring the syrup onto a flat surface and using a knife or the back of a spoon to shape. You can also use molds or silicone confectionery mats to shape the candy.