Homemade Candy Corn

So, sick of all that Halloween candy? C'mon, admit it, you either buy stuff you don't like so you don't eat it - or you buy the good stuff and then turn off your porch light early so you'll have some for yourself.

There was recently an "issue" at the launchpad when LBA and SoBA received a small Halloween goody bag (courtesy of the neighbors - thanks!), which contained a small amount of candy corn. Now I am not a big fan of the candy corn, but Mrs. BA does have a small problem with addiction. LBA had a different treat out of the goody bag and without telling LBA, I gave the candy corn to Mrs. BA. I also neglected to tell Mrs. BA that she was eating LBA's candy corn. Then he noticed (as she put the last piece into her mouth). So I had to give SoBA's candy corn to LBA with the instructions that he share. He shared one or two and then as SoBA asked for one more piece, LBA told him to say please (as I had said, too). So, as SoBA said please to have one more, LBA popped the last one into his mouth. Nice.

So if you aren't sick of candy, candy corn, or sibling rivalry, think about making your own candy corn. From a recipe found on Sugarcrafter via the New York Times Food DIY Section.

Homemade Candy Corn

• 2/3 cup agave nectar
• 1 cup sugar
• 5 Tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• Pinch of salt
• Orange & yellow food coloring
  

In a sauce pan, stir together the agave nectar, sugar, butter, and vanilla. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, corn starch, and salt.

Reduce the heat to medium and boil 5 minutes longer, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Let cool at least 20 minutes.

Knead the dough gently until smooth. If it begins sticking to everything, don’t add extra powdered sugar to the dough – simply work with the dough on wax paper.

Divide into 3 pieces. With rubber gloves on, knead several drops of yellow food coloring to one piece of the dough until the color is even. Repeat with the orange food coloring. Leave the third piece of dough uncolored.

Divide each color dough in half again. Roll each piece into a long, thin rope. Line one rope of each color next to the others: yellow first, then orange, and then white. Flatten with a rolling pin. Cut the ropes into triangles. Some will be yellow-tipped and some will be white-tipped.

Place in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to firm up, and then enjoy homemade candy corn!