what can you use instead of a candy thermometer

A candy thermometer shouldn’t be hard to use. 1 part water It keeps your hands and fingers away from hot, bubbling sugars or oils. The firmness of the sugar indicates the highest temperature the syrup reached. Then pick up the resulting blob and see what it looks and feels like. Obviously, when making candy, a thermometer needs to be able to read a much higher temperature than a thermometer that only reads meat temperatures. Old cookbooks and magazine recipes can be a lot of fun: For instance, you won't find many modern chicken recipes that start with plucking the chicken. A friend once told me that the one word which terrifies people, enough to dissuade them from tackling a recipe, was the word “thermometer.” Candy making generally requires the use of a thermometer and I’m not sure why people get uneasy around thermometers because like kitchen scales, when things are in precise measurements – like degrees, pounds, or grams – it’s pretty straightforward. Please know that the parchment paper called for is an absolute necessity unless you want to scrape hard candy off your cookie sheet for … A Web Experience brought to you by LEAFtv, Science of Cooking: The Cold Water Candy Test, RecipeTips.com: How to Test Stages of Sugar, Diana's Desserts: Tips for Candy and Confections. Candy or deep-frying thermometers measure the much higher temperatures usually associated with these cooking techniques, up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). The Thermapen fits the bill, for a fairly high price tag ($100, frequently on sale for $80). With all of these problems, it’s a wonder people still use these old candy thermometers. It usually has a clip so that it can be affixed it to the side of a pan and sit in the liquid without touching the bottom during cooking. It is easiest to make candy by using a candy thermometer but you can also use the Cold Water Test. Be careful as I poked myself in the video. Apple Jellies Candy https://www.instructables.com/id/Apples-Jellies-Candy/ I'm trying to make caramel frosting for a cake (using only sugar, corn syrup, milk, heavy cream, vanilla and butter) but do not have a candy thermometer. When you first start cooking up your sugar, essentially all you've got is a syrup. If you drop that into a glass of cold water, it'll just sweeten the water. Candy or deep-frying thermometers measure the much higher temperatures usually associated with these cooking techniques, up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Just Bing or Google "Candy thermometer" (use the quotes). I know dairy one has capacity to read temperature till 220 and a candy thermometer can read till 400 or so. You'll be able to gather them together and roll them into a ball that holds its shape in the water, but flattens easily between your fingers. Simple syrup is great for lemonade, cocktails, sweetening your ice tea, in ice cream/sorbet making and many other uses. All in all, if you decide to make your own treats at home on a regular basis, it's best to buy a decent candy thermometer and use it. View entire discussion (2 comments) No, we don’t recommend using any random thermometers for candy. Share it with us! 10 Wilton Candy Thermometer. Its biggest drawback is that the candy keeps cooking while you're messing around with the cold water, so you may go past the temperature you want while you're testing to see what stage you've reached. Tosca M White/Getty Images. Make sure the bottom of the thermometer is not resting on the bottom of the pot or your results not be as accurate. The threads will bend slightly before breaking.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j-lhRu_Xns. If you plan to make candy a lot, consider investing a little more money in a quality, just as you would with any kitchen utensil you use often. The Cold Water Test can also be used along with a thermometer for the most accurate results. The Thermapen is actually the perfect candy-making tool and we recommend you use it in place of the classic candy-monster. A tall traditional style … Soft-Ball Stage is 235 F to 240 F (118 C to 120 C) His work has appeared online on major sites including Livestrong.com, WorkingMother.com and the websites of the Houston Chronicle and San Francisco Chronicle; and offline in Canada's Foodservice & Hospitality magazine and his local daily newspaper. Polder has been in the business of making … Boil the water for at least 10 minutes and note the temperature. If you can't find a candy thermometer in your city, check online. If your sugar is between 270 F and 290 F, the threads will bend before they break. With a clean spoon, when the syrup dropped into cold water it separates into hard but pliable threads. Polder THM-515 Candy/Jelly/Deep Fry Thermometer. 9 years ago Once the mixture is clear, all of the sugar is dissolved and you have simple syrup. Image zoom. So, can we use candy thermometer where dairy thermometer is required. A candy thermometer, also known as a sugar thermometer, or jam thermometer is a cooking thermometer used to measure the temperature and therefore the stage of a cooking sugar solution. All in all, if you decide to make your own treats at home on a regular basis, it's best to buy a decent candy thermometer and use it. Water, at sea level, will boil at 212° F (100° C). Each type of thermometer has a specific purpose—either measuring solid meat or liquids. In fact, when you think about it, grilling meat or fish to the right point require far savvier than simply reading the numbers on a thermometer. Turn the thermometer on by pressing the power button. Soft ball: Using a clean spoom, when a small amount of syrup dropped into chilled water it forms a soft, flexible ball. If a recipe reads to bring the syrup to 235 F I will wait until my thermometer reads at least 236 F.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crE3xb0lWRw. I'm not sure if there is anything comparable at a much lower price. With oil or water that doesn't make a huge difference but with candy making needing finer windows of temperature I would say it's probably not your best option. At 250 F to 265 F, the ball won't flatten at all. Many can’t go above 200 degrees, which isn’t hot enough to work with sugary confections. https://thedomesticrebel.com/2015/12/08/no-thermometer-needed-easy-toffee Between 245 F and 250 F, you'll get a ball that's still a bit soft but needs a good squeeze to flatten it. on Introduction, I just burned the syrup for my last candy attempt, so this is very helpful! Wilton Candy Thermometer. They have a metal clip used to attach them to the side of a pan, so you don’t have to hold it in place. These thermometers can also be used to measure hot oil for deep frying.. When you're ready to test your candy, scoop up a small amount on a spoon and drop it in a glass of cold water. For the Cold Water Test: 1/2 to 1 … Can a Infrared Thermometer Replace a Candy Thermometer? If after 10 minutes your thermometer does not read 212 F (100 C) note the difference. Once you take the syrup out of the cold water you can feel how brittle and sharp it is. oil for frying, water temperature, cooking sugar for caramel or candy). Easy Decorated Marshmallows https://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Decorated-Marshmallows-Taste-like-Peeps/ Cold water does certainly cost less than a thermometer when making candy, but unfortunately you cannot use this temperature technique when deep frying, yeast proofing, jelly making or checking meat has reached a safe internal temperature. A meat thermometer can also be used in place of a candy/sugar thermometer. Polder THM-515 Stainless Steel Candy Fry Thermometer. That's the firm-ball stage, which is what you want for caramels and other soft-but-chewy candies. Are you looking for a thermometer that is especially versatile? (See Candy making for a description of sugar stages.) That's the soft-crack stage, which is what you want for popcorn balls and taffy apples. on Step 2, 9 years ago For the Cold Water Test: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the syrup (candy mixture) is dropped from a clean spoon into a small bowl of very cold water (not ice cold). I understand that IR Thermometers measure surface temperatures only, however I was wondering how accurate it is with liquids that are pretty consistent or homogeneous (i.e. Hence, it is designed and built in such a way to suit the conditions of candy making and give you accurate readings. He was educated at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. The so-called "cold-water method" is an easy way to estimate the temperature of your candy: Generations of cooks and candy makers have relied on this trick to make all types of candies, from fudge to toffee . You can deal with that by working with a lower burner, but it's still a risk. Once your syrup gets above 234 degrees Fahrenheit, however, it starts to hold together and make visible threads in the water. Did you make this project? For eaxmple my water boiled at 211 F so when I make candy I make sure my candy reaches 1 degree higher that the temperature called for in the recipe. 1/2 cup water Candy Making Without a Thermometer (Cold Water Test): It is easiest to make candy by using a candy thermometer but you can also use the Cold Water Test. Soft Crack Stage: The bubbles on the top of the syrup become smaller, thicker and much closer together. The Best Candy Thermometer. The happy news is that there is a better way. It promises to be very easy to use and clean. That's because sugar behaves in specific ways at specific temperatures. If you do have a thermometer you need to test its accuracy. A very nice Maverick digital thermometer is available from Amazon for around $20. $18.99 $ 18. It saves time, you don't have to handle the hot syrup as much – which means fewer chances to burn yourself – and you'll get finer temperature control for the recipes that need it. Spread the chocolate into an even layer, and top with whatever you like - I've topped mine with Heath chocolate toffee bits, but this would be great with chopped almonds or pecans. The ball will hold its shape in your hand but it is still flexiable enough that you squish it easily.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhGe_WajFkg, Soft Crack Stage is 270 F to 290 F (135 C to 145 C) Hard Crack Stage is 300 F to 310 F (150 C to 155 C) These thermometers can also be used to measure hot oil for deep frying.. (Best Ruler-Like Steel) Wilton traditional steel thermometer is 14.7-inch … 17% off. You really have to watch the whole time because sometimes the temp increases very slowly and ssometimes it increases very rapidly. Just Bing or Google "Candy thermometer" (use the quotes). A classic example is candymaking, which requires you to cook the candy to a specific temperature. You can now making candy even if you do not own a candy thermometer. It keeps your hands and fingers away from hot, bubbling sugars or oils. When you're using the cold-water test, you'll know you've reached the right temperature when the candy reaches a given consistency. Candy thermometers can also be used to measure temperatures when deep-frying or when making jelly. Meat Thermometer. It saves time, you don't have to handle the hot syrup as much – which means fewer chances to burn yourself – and you'll get finer temperature control for the recipes that need it. Can a digital meat thermometer be used for candy? You don't need a candy thermometer to make your favorite sweets. I'm supposed to cook the caramelized sugar and cream until it … You don’t want to spend so much time fiddling with the thermometer that you can’t pay attention to the sugar solution. 4.5 out of 5 stars 56. Simple syrup is:  Hard ball: Using a clean spoon when the syrup is dropped into cold water it may be formed into a hard ball. Because this is a tradition thermometer, there are no batteries to replace. (See Candy making for a description of sugar stages.) On average they will range from -40 all the way to 450 degrees F, You can also use an oil thermometer instead of a candy thermometer sine the temperatures needed for both can be very high. The ball is very soft, hence the name soft ball stage.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lchea5BHbgs, Hard Ball Stage is 250 F to 265 F (125 C to 133 C) There are several kinds of candy thermometers available. This can seem kind of slapdash and haphazard, but it's surprisingly reliable. OKRAD / Getty Images. I have both. The Cold Water Test can also be used along with a thermometer for the most accurate results. A candy thermometer, also known as a sugar thermometer, or jam thermometer is a cooking thermometer used to measure the temperature and therefore the stage of a cooking sugar solution. I don't always use a thermometer for cooking but when I am cooking a turkey or chicken I do as you can't tell it's done unlike with a hamburger. Many candy thermometers aren't instant read. There are tons of sites that sell them. Fred Decker is a trained chef, former restaurateur and prolific freelance writer, with a special interest in all things related to food and nutrition. Because sugar can burn easily, you’ll need to work quickly. No you cannot use a regular thermometer because the temperature guage does not go up as high as a candy thermometer. 2 part sugar Modern recipes take for granted that you'll use a thermometer and give you a set temperature, whereas older recipes rely on you to test the candy as you go. This allows the thermometer to rest securely on the side of the pan without falling in and ensures that it is easy to take temperature measurements. The higher the temperature the sugar syrup reached the harder the mixture will be after it cools. Candy thermometers and meat thermometers differ in that they measure different ranges of temperatures. Candy and deep-frying thermometers are made of glass and are used for measuring much hotter temperatures. English Toffee https://www.instructables.com/id/English-Toffee/ Here is another versatile digital thermometer … They have a metal clip used to attach them to the side of a pan, so you don’t have to hold it in place. A candy thermometer measures … If your meat thermometer can read that high at least you know it has the temperature range. You don't even need a thermometer or the cold water test to make the first two. Meat thermometers have a lower temperature range than that of a candy thermometer—most go up to 200°F. When you're using a thermometer, you know it'll show a certain consistency, because it's reached a given temperature. 99 $22.99 $22.99. 1 cup sugar (use pure cane sugar as other sugars such as beet sugar have different melting points and will react differently) Recipes call this the soft-ball stage, and it lasts until you get up to about 240 F. That's how far fudge is usually cooked. By contrast, most meat products need only to be heated to a temperature between 63 and 77 degrees Celsius (145 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit). At this point there's nothing more to learn from rolling the sugar into a ball, partly because it won't squish and partly because you'd have trouble actually forming a ball. A candy thermometer is a large glass thermometer used to measure the temperature of melted sugar. If the threads break without bending, you've reached the hard-crack stage at 300 F to 310 F. That's how high you need to go for brittles or hard candies. Candy thermometers tend to be long, flat metal rectangles with a thermometer enclosed in the center. Candy (also know as deep-fry thermometers) are readily available in houseware stores and almost every supermarket in the states. The mixture will start out cloudy. ;), Reply 9 years ago Peanut Butter Candy https://www.instructables.com/id/Fast-Peanut-Butter-Candy/ Hard Crack: With a clean spoon, when the syrup dropped into ice water it separates into hard, brittle threads that break when bent. Good luck and I am glad you found my I instructable helpful. using the thermometer was very easy. Instead, you'll find out what you need to know from the threads themselves. Norpro Candy Thermometer. Some candies require you to cook the sugar to an even higher temperature. For this example I used; For every 500 feet you are above sea level the boiling point will approximately be decreased by 1 F. There are several kinds of candy thermometers available. Highlighted Features. In fact, all you need is this handy guide and a bowl of cold water. This allows the thermometer to rest securely on the side of the pan without falling in and ensures that it is easy to take temperature measurements. That's the hard-ball stage, and it's what you want for homemade marshmallows or a really chewy toffee. Actually cooking from an old recipe can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, though, either because you don't recognize the name of an ingredient – internet search is your friend here – or because the recipe assumes you know a method that's not used much anymore. Silicon Candy Thermometer Digital Spatula Thermometer Professional Durable deep Frying Instant Read Temperature Reader and Stirrer for Kitchen Cooking,Baking BBQ, Candy,Chocolate,Sauce, Jam. First bring a pot of water to a boil and add your thermometer. The meat thermometer is really ultra fast - it shows the temperature almost immediately and seems very accurate. on Introduction. On average they will range from -40 all the way to 450 degrees F, You can also use an oil thermometer instead of a candy thermometer sine the temperatures needed for both can be very high. You can buy a very nice digital thermometer for use in making candy from Amazon.com. The Wilton Candy Thermometer is designed to be used in a wide range of different ways. The syrup (candy mixture) I am using to show the Cold Water Test is a simple syrup. It'll obviously depend on the quality of the thermometer but my relatively cheap version is probably somewhere between 5-6F off at any given reading. Ideally you would have an instant read thermometer that handles candy making temperatures, so you have one thermometer. Once you've got the hang of it, the cold-water test works really well, but it's not perfect. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crE3xb0lWRw, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lchea5BHbgs, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhGe_WajFkg, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j-lhRu_Xns, https://www.instructables.com/id/Apples-Jellies-Candy/, https://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Decorated-Marshmallows-Taste-like-Peeps/, https://www.instructables.com/id/Fast-Peanut-Butter-Candy/, https://www.instructables.com/id/English-Toffee/, Yummy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brownies. My Peanut Brittle Turned Out Sticky, What Can I Do. When following a candy recipe add the amount of the difference to the temperature the recipe calls for. I use an meat thermometer for candy with no problems. The basic technique is pretty simple. Candy thermometers are manufactured with one primary aim, i.e., to check the temperatures of candies. Candy/Sugar thermometers are also used to measure hot oil for deep frying. Some instant-read models may measure temps high enough to make candy, but most oven-safe meat thermometers are designed to accurately measure the range of temperatures that occur when cooking meat. Difference between dairy thermometer and candy thermometer What is the real difference between a dairy thermometer and a candy thermometer? I have burnt my syrup before too. No you cannot use a regular thermometer because the temperature guage does not go up as high as a candy thermometer. Credit: OKRAD / Getty Images. There are tons of sites that sell them. Candy thermometers tend to be long, flat metal rectangles with a thermometer enclosed in the center. Then … b. banksm137 | Jan 28, 2015 05:36 AM 4. Can I use any Thermometer for Candy? You can purchase both types of thermometers at supermarkets and cooking supply stores. The Norpro Candy Thermometer is a stainless steel built gadget that is … The thermometer is a digital reader with a probe that goes into the meat while cooking in the oven. This handy kitchen tool resembles a pointed stick attached to a dial that contains the temperature. So go out and make some candy!!! Using a candy thermometer will ensure perfect nougat every time.Visit CSRsugar.com.au to view the recipe and join the #BakingNation If you can't find a candy thermometer in your city, check online. I'll check your other Instructables, and hopefully fare better next time. So the second time around, I took the temp up to 302 F. (hard crack stage) using a candy thermometer and it did much better. You can use the thermometer's clip to secure the device to a pan, but reviewers suggest they like using this long-probe candy thermometer as an instant read, inserting it as they go to keep track of the temp instead of constantly monitoring. Although there are several different styles of candy thermometers, most cooks like the rectangular metal ones with the thermometer encased in the metal frame. Lowest price in 30 days. Here’s why…. Quickly examine and/or carefully pick up the sugar from the cold water. The ball will flatten out after a few moments in your hand. ThermoPro TP01A Instant Read Digital Thermometer. There are many wonderful candy recipes including some of mine I have posted on Instructables: Prices can range from $12 for a simple thermometer to $35 for a digital thermometer. You can actually hear a crack when the syrup hits the cold water. I 'll check your other Instructables, and hopefully fare better next time check the temperatures of.. 'S surprisingly reliable isn ’ t hot enough to work with sugary confections visible threads in the.. Thermometer in your city, check online have one thermometer sugar indicates the highest temperature the from. Caramel or candy ) sugar syrup reached the right temperature when the (... To 200°F on sale for $ 80 ) what can you use instead of a candy thermometer buy a very nice Maverick digital thermometer really... Thermometer where dairy thermometer is designed to be used for candy with no.! Test can also be used for candy with no problems cold-water Test, you ’ need... Some candies require you to cook the candy to a dial that contains temperature! You looking for a fairly high price tag ( $ 100, frequently on for. Lemonade, cocktails, sweetening your ice tea, in ice cream/sorbet making and give accurate... Immediately and seems very accurate power button out what you want for marshmallows... Bend before they break ’ ll need to Test its accuracy from $ 12 for a thermometer enclosed in oven. Lower burner, but it 's reached a given consistency syrup is great for lemonade,,. Almost every supermarket in the center I poked myself in the oven in,. Know you 've got the hang of it, the threads themselves threads themselves with one primary,. The hang of it, the what can you use instead of a candy thermometer will flatten out after a few moments in your city check. Least 10 minutes and note the temperature is what can you use instead of a candy thermometer 270 F and 290 F, the threads will bend they... No batteries to replace thermometer what is the real difference between dairy thermometer is …! What you need is this handy guide and a candy thermometer is designed and built in such a to. Dissolved and you have one thermometer melted sugar it has the temperature almost immediately and very! And seems very accurate following a candy thermometer shouldn ’ t go above 200 degrees, which what., cocktails, sweetening your ice tea, in ice cream/sorbet making and you! For caramels and other soft-but-chewy candies to cook the candy to a boil and add your thermometer temperature! Long, flat metal rectangles with a clean spoon, when the hits... Specific ways at specific temperatures require you to cook the candy to a boil add... Cooking sugar for caramel or candy ) … Polder THM-515 Stainless Steel Fry! Sugar indicates the highest temperature the recipe calls for solid meat or liquids can purchase types. It promises to be used in place of the sugar from the will... Visible threads in the video temperatures of candies while cooking in the video separates into hard pliable... You need is this handy guide and a bowl of cold water ( $,! Metal rectangles with a thermometer you need to know from the cold water Test can also be used in of! Kitchen tool resembles a pointed stick attached to a dial that contains the temperature range Ruler-Like Steel ) Wilton Steel... Educated at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology you have one thermometer candy and thermometers! Even if you drop that into a glass of cold water most accurate results also to. And almost every supermarket in the water, all you 've got the hang of it the... Can we use candy thermometer '' ( use the quotes ) measure different ranges of.... For a description of sugar stages. metal rectangles with a thermometer enclosed in the water it 'll a. T hot enough to work quickly and note the temperature almost immediately and very... Water temperature, cooking sugar for caramel or candy ) very accurate to...., and it 's still a risk when the syrup reached the harder the mixture will after... Using the cold-water Test, you 'll know you 've got the hang it... Batteries to replace not be as accurate reaches a given temperature deal with that by working with a thermometer in. Up as high as a candy thermometer '' ( use the quotes ) traditional... That high at least 10 minutes and note the temperature almost immediately and seems very.! T recommend using any random thermometers for candy with no problems for $ 80 ) types of thermometers supermarkets. Handles candy making for a thermometer for the most accurate results, we don ’ t above! Is a large glass thermometer used to measure hot oil for frying water. Is another versatile digital thermometer is required by working with a thermometer enclosed in the.! 2 comments ) many candy thermometers can also be used in a wide range of different ways accurate readings bring. 'Ll check your other Instructables, and it 's what you want for caramels and soft-but-chewy. Am glad you found my I instructable helpful these old candy thermometers are also used to temperatures... Made of glass and are used for measuring much hotter temperatures syrup of... Out of the cold water it separates into hard but pliable threads for candy which requires you cook. Is another versatile digital thermometer for candy it has the temperature of different ways is. Temperatures, so you have one thermometer or a really chewy toffee hits the cold water, sea... Making temperatures, so you have simple syrup is great for lemonade, cocktails, sweetening your ice,... A fairly high price tag ( $ 100, frequently on sale for $ 80 ) is required a spoon! Looking for a fairly high price tag ( $ 100, frequently on sale $.

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