Have a Taffy Pull

by Teresa McEntire | More from this Blogger

09 Jul 2006 12:42 PM

Before the invention of the television, radio, and computer families used to spend evenings together. They would gather in the parlor or kitchen and actually interact together, playing games, reading books, and talking. One of the things that families also used to enjoy was pulling taffy.

A taffy pull is a fun family activity. The taffy takes about twenty minutes to pull so you are guaranteed to have at least that much time to talk to your kids. If you have little kids they can pull a small amount, but most of the burden of pulling will be upon the parents. This is also a fun and creative activity for a party. It gives teenagers a chance to talk and interact instead of just watching a video. Eating the taffy is enjoyable too.

My favorite taffy recipe is for chocolate taffy that stays soft and chewy. There is also another recipe for old-fashioned taffy in foods. The chocolate taffy recipe takes about ten minutes to cook and makes about fifty pieces.

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cup sugar ¾ cup light corn syrup 1/3 cup cocoa 1 TB butter or margarine 2 tsp white vinegar ¼ cup evaporated milk 1/8 tsp salt

Directions:

1. In a heavy two-quart saucepan stir together the sugar, corn syrup, cocoa, salt and vinegar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture boils.

2. Take a fork and wrap a napkin around the tines, then wet it down. Use the fork to scrape any excess sugar off of the sides of the pan. This prevents sugar crystals from getting in the taffy.

3. Add the evaporated milk and butter to the pan.

4. Continue cooking to about 248 degrees or until the syrup, when dropped into very cold water, forms a firm ball that does not flatten when removed from the water. Those at higher elevations will need to let the syrup cook until it is a few degrees hotter. If you cook it too long it will not stay soft.

5. Pour mixture into a greased cookie sheet.

6. Cool until the taffy is lukewarm and easy to handle. Butter the tips of your fingers and stretch the taffy. Use the tips of your fingers only. Pull the taffy and then fold it. Repeat the process until the taffy is light in color and hard to pull. It will change from a dark brown color to a chocolate milk color. (Note: don't put too much butter on your fingers because the taffy will not set up.)

7. Twist the taffy into a corkscrew shape and place on the table. Use scissors to cut into one-inch pieces. Wrap individually in plastic wrap.

Learn more about Teresa McEntire

Teresa McEntire grew up in Utah the oldest of four children. She currently lives in Kuna, Idaho, near Boise. She and her husband Gene have been married for almost ten years.

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