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Northern Lights Candy Glow Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 68 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Candy
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Northern Lights Candy Glow is a vibrant, glowing hard candy made with colorful food dyes and tonic water for a fun luminescent effect. This easy-to-make candy combines classic sugar syrup cooked to the hard crack stage with a sparkle of glow created by tonic water, perfect for parties and special occasions.

Ingredients

Basic Candy Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon citric acid
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

Coloring and Glow

  • 1/4 teaspoon blue food coloring
  • 1/4 teaspoon green food coloring
  • 1/4 teaspoon yellow food coloring
  • 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring
  • 1/4 teaspoon tonic water (for glowing effect)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside to ensure the candy does not stick once poured.
  2. Cook the sugar syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves completely. Increase heat to bring mixture to a rolling boil. Without stirring, cook for 5-7 minutes until the syrup reaches the hard crack stage (about 300°F or 150°C), monitored with a candy thermometer.
  3. Add baking soda and citric acid: Remove the syrup from heat and carefully stir in baking soda and citric acid. The mixture will bubble up vigorously, so handle with caution.
  4. Divide and color the syrup: Immediately pour the hot syrup into separate bowls. Add a few drops of a different food coloring to each bowl along with a teaspoon of tonic water for that glowing effect. Stir well to combine each color.
  5. Shape the candy: Quickly pour each colored syrup onto the prepared baking sheet, creating distinct sections of colored candy. Work swiftly as the syrup hardens quickly.
  6. Cool and break: Allow the candy to cool and harden at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Once set, break into pieces for serving or storage.
  7. Store properly: Store the candy pieces in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The candy will glow when exposed to UV light or when tonic water reacts in contact with it.

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature to ensure the hard crack stage is reached.
  • Be very careful when handling hot sugar syrup to avoid burns; use heat-resistant utensils.
  • Tonic water contains quinine which gives the glowing effect under UV light.
  • Work quickly after coloring the syrup as it sets fast once off the heat.
  • If you do not have citric acid, lemon juice can be a substitute but may slightly alter the texture.
  • Store in airtight containers to prevent the candy from becoming sticky in humid conditions.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/northern-lights-candy-glow-recipe-2/