Hand Pulled Kentucky Cream Candy Recipe
Hand Pulled Kentucky Cream Candy is a cherished delicacy that's deeply rooted in the Appalachian region of Eastern Kentucky. This recipe is not just shared; it's taught and passed down through generations. It takes time to master, but the result is worth every minute. I learned this recipe from my mom, who was my teacher. In an age when it's increasingly challenging to find good Cream Candy, I've started sharing my craft, teaching classes, and even shipping this delightful treat nationwide. Sometimes, new doors open in our lives, and I feel truly blessed. Here's the recipe for those interested
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
- In a heavy kettle (a pressure cooker without the lid works well), thoroughly mix together all the ingredients: 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 3 cups of sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and a pinch of salt.
2. Begin Cooking:
- Set the heat slightly above medium but not quite medium-high.
- Avoid stirring the mixture once you reach this stage.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. The candy will cook up and then back down to a light caramel color. This process takes about 45 minutes to one hour.
3. Pour and Cool:
- Pour the hot candy mixture onto a prepared, cold, and buttered (use real butter, not margarine) marble slab. Be careful not to scrape any granular candy from the edges of the pan onto the marble.
- Carefully fold the candy from the edges towards the center to facilitate even cooling. Be cautious not to burn yourself.
- When the candy is cool enough to handle, start pulling it until it turns white and loses its gloss. This will change the texture of the candy.
4. Shape and Cut:
- Shape the pulled candy into an even, long piece, about 2.5 to 3 feet in length.
- Lay it on a clean counter lightly buttered with real butter.
- Using clean, heavy scissors, cut the candy into individual pieces. Ensure that the pieces do not touch each other, as they may stick together.
5. Store:
- Wrap each candy piece individually.
- Store the pulled cream candy in an airtight container in a cool area.
Additional Tips:
- This candy is best made on cold, crisp days, as humidity can cause it to fail.
- The entire process takes about 2 hours from start to finish.
- Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
This recipe is a special tradition that's better taught than shared, but I wanted to share it with you all because it's truly unique and wonderful. Good luck, and enjoy the sweet taste of Kentucky Cream Candy!
For more recipes that bring back memories, check out Memory Lane Meals and Recipes by clicking here. We also have a category dedicated to recipes with family stories, which you can find on our homepage or by clicking here.