Sweets/Treats Molasses Candy

molasses candy
(from Miss Leslie's Complete Cookery, by Eliza Leslie, 1838)

Ingredients:

1 lb. best brown sugar​

2 quarts West India molasses​

3 lemons, or large tsp. of strong essence of lemon​

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optional additions: almonds blanched, or a quart of ground-nuts, blanched​

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Instructions:

Mix a pound of the best brown sugar with two quarts of West India molasses, (which must be perfectly sweet,) and boil it in a preserving kettle over a moderate fire for three hours, skimming it well, and stirring it frequently after the scum has ceased to rise; taking care that it does not burn. Have ready the grated rind and the juice of three lemons, and stir them into the molasses after it has boiled about two hours and a half; or you may substitute a large tea-spoonful of strong essence of lemon. The flavour of the lemon will all be boiled out if it is put in too soon. The mixture should boil at least three hours, that it may be crisp and brittle when cold. If it is taken off the fire too soon, or before it has boiled sufficiently, it will not congeal, but will be tough and ropy, and must be boiled over again. It will cease boiling of itself when it is thoroughly done. Then take it off the fire; have ready a square tin pan; put the mixture into it, and set it away to cool.​

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You may make molasses candy with almonds blanched and slit into pieces; stir them in by degrees after the mixture has boiled two hours and a half. Or you may blanch a quart of ground-nuts and put them in instead of the almonds.​

 

[donna]

So many great candies to make for Christmas.

 

[Peter Stines]

I think Cumberland General Store has a selection of period correct candy. Can't say how good it is since I stay away from too many sweets but it's handy to have if you need a quick energy boost.