Candies-walnut Molasses Taffy Recipe

Recipe: Candies-Walnut Molasses Taffy

Introduction:
Candies-Walnut Molasses Taffy is a delicious and chewy treat that dates back to the early 20th century. This old-fashioned candy recipe combines the rich flavors of New Orleans molasses with the delightful crunch of black walnut meats. The process of making this taffy involves cooking molasses and brown sugar until it reaches the desired consistency, and then adding flour, baking soda, and chopped walnuts. The end result is a delectable treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Fun Fact:
Did you know that taffy was originally made as a children's treat in the late 19th century? It gained popularity as a classic carnival and fair treat across America.

Ingredients:
- 2 cups New Orleans molasses
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 scant teaspoon baking soda (salaratus)
- 1 cup coarsely chopped black walnut meats
- Butter for greasing pans

Instructions:

1. Prepare all the ingredients before starting the cooking process. Grease the pans with butter, ensuring that they are ready to pour the taffy mixture into once it is cooked.

2. Place the stew-pan on the range and add 2 cups of New Orleans molasses and 3/4 cup of brown sugar. Set the heat to medium-low and stir the mixture continuously to prevent it from burning.

3. Cook the molasses and brown sugar mixture until it reaches the soft ball stage, which can be determined by dropping a teaspoonful of the mixture into a small bowl of cold water. If the mixture forms a soft ball, it is ready to proceed to the next step. This may take approximately 10-15 minutes.

4. While the molasses mixture is cooking, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a small quantity of water to moisten it.

5. Once the molasses mixture is at the soft ball stage, add the moistened flour to the pan and continue cooking. Stir well to ensure that the flour is fully incorporated into the mixture.

6. Cook the mixture until it reaches the brittle stage, which can be determined by dropping a teaspoonful of the mixture into a separate bowl of cold water. If the mixture becomes brittle, it is ready for the next step. This stage may take around 8-10 minutes.

7. Add 1 scant teaspoonful of baking soda (salaratus) to the mixture and stir it in thoroughly. The baking soda will cause the mixture to foam up, so be careful and stir slowly.

8. Once the baking soda is fully incorporated, add 1 cup of coarsely chopped black walnut meats to the pan. Stir the mixture carefully to evenly distribute the walnuts throughout the taffy.

9. Remove the pan from the heat and quickly pour the taffy mixture into the buttered pans. Smooth out the surface of the taffy using a spatula or the back of a spoon.

10. Allow the taffy to cool completely in the pans. This may take several hours depending on the ambient temperature. Once cool, you can cut the taffy into individual pieces or pull it into long, thin strips for a traditional taffy texture.

Fun Fact:
Pulling taffy is a classic technique used to create a chewy and stretchy texture. It involves stretching the taffy on a well-greased surface repeatedly until it becomes lighter in color and develops a glossy finish.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Peanut Brittle: Peanut brittle is a popular candy made by combining sugar, corn syrup, butter, and peanuts. It is cooked until the mixture reaches a hard and crunchy consistency.
- Caramelized Pecan Clusters: Caramelized pecan clusters are sweet and crunchy treats made by coating toasted pecans with a caramel sauce. The clusters are then cooled and hardened into bite-sized candies.
- Honeycomb Candy: Honeycomb candy, also known as sponge toffee or cinder toffee, is a light and airy candy made by combining sugar, golden syrup, and baking soda. The mixture foams up and hardens into a crisp and brittle texture.

Conclusion:
Candies-Walnut Molasses Taffy is a delightful sweet treat that combines the rich flavors of molasses with the crunch of black walnuts. This old-fashioned candy recipe is not only delicious but also provides a glimpse into the history of homemade candies. Enjoy this chewy taffy as a nostalgic treat or share it with family and friends on special occasions.