Molasses Candy. Mrs. Dr. Fisher. Recipe

Molasses candy, also known as molasses taffy or simply molasses sticks, has a long history dating back to the early 19th century in America. It was a popular treat during this time, especially in rural areas where molasses was readily available. The recipe I will share with you today is inspired by Mrs. Dr. Fisher, a renowned African American chef and cookbook author, who included this delightful recipe in her book "Mrs. Fisher's Book of Recipes."

To prepare this delicious Molasses Candy, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 quart of molasses (maple syrup can be used as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- Water (for dissolving the baking soda)
- Roasted corn, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts (optional)
- Butter (for greasing the pans)

Now, let's dive into the cooking process:

1. In a large pot or saucepan, pour one quart of molasses. You can choose to use maple syrup instead if you prefer its distinct flavor.

2. Bring the molasses to a boil over medium heat. Allow it to continue boiling until it reaches a crisp consistency when tested in water. This will take some time, so be patient and keep a close eye on the molasses to prevent burning.

3. While the molasses is boiling, dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in a little warm water. Stir until the soda is completely dissolved.

4. Once the molasses has reached a crisp consistency, remove it from the heat. Carefully pour the dissolved baking soda into the pot and quickly stir it in, making sure it is well mixed.

5. Take buttered pans and pour the molasses mixture into them. The butter will help prevent the candy from sticking to the pans.

6. At this point, you have two options. For traditional molasses sticks, allow the mixture to cool slightly before pulling a small portion off and stretching it until it turns white. Repeat this process until all the molasses has been pulled into sticks. This will create a chewy and delicious treat.

7. Alternatively, if you prefer a more varied candy, add roasted corn, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts to the remaining molasses mixture in the pans. Mix them in until they are evenly distributed.

8. Let the molasses candy cool completely in the pans before cutting or breaking it into bite-sized pieces or sticks. This step is crucial to ensure the candy sets properly and retains its desired shape.

Now that our Molasses Candy is ready, let's talk about some fun facts and variations you can try:

- Molasses has been used as a sweetener for centuries and was particularly popular during colonial times. It was widely available and more affordable than refined sugar.

- Pulling the molasses into sticks is not only a practical way to portion the candy, but it also enhances its texture. The stretching process creates a smoother and more chewy consistency.

- Adding roasted corn, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the candy. You can choose to include just one or a combination of these nuts, depending on your preference.

- If molasses is not readily available, you can substitute it with maple syrup, although the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Now that you know how to make Molasses Candy, you might be interested in exploring other similar recipe dishes. Taffy, for instance, is another popular candy that involves the pulling and stretching of a sugar mixture, resulting in a chewy and delicious treat. Another option to consider is making caramel or toffee, which involves caramelizing sugar and adding butter and cream.

Remember to enjoy your homemade Molasses Candy in moderation, as it is a sweet treat that, when savored occasionally, can bring joy and satisfaction to your taste buds.