Anise Candy

Another favorite from Schmidt's Bakery is Anise Candy. Schmidt's sells this at Christmas time and every year my mother in law phones in her order for 30+ plus bags. Everyone in my family, except me, LOVES this candy.

I found some Anise Oil and decided to see if I could duplicate this sweet treat. I can't remember the last time I made hard candy. I had forgotten just how LONG it takes to get to the hard ball stage. I am sure our humid weather played a part in the timing.

The family reviews are in and while they said the candy was good, it just wasn't Schmidts.




Anise Candy

2 cups sugar
1/2 white corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon anise flavoring
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring

Boil sugar, syrup and water until a candy thermometer registers a hard crack stage.

A candy thermometer is essential for this process. Be prepared, this takes a long time, approximately an hour.

Remove from heat; add flavoring and food color, stir but be careful of the fumes when the oil is added.

Pour onto a greased cookie sheet, let sit a few minutes, score and cut once slightly hardened.