Sugar Rush

I'm learning to make handmade candy. Here are photos of my progress, my misadventures, my creations, and what will certainly be my ushering-in of the golden age of diabetes.

First Time Lemon Candycanes
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Spiced Rum and Vanilla Candycanes
Spiced Rum and Vanilla CandycanesSpiced Rum and Vanilla CandycanesSpiced Rum and Vanilla Candycanes
Orange & Spiced Rum Ribbon Candy
Ribbon CandyRibbon CandyRibbon CandyRibbon Candy
Maple Almond Ribbon Candy
Ribbon CandyRibbon CandyRibbon CandyRibbon Candy
Tart Orange Candycanes
Tart Orange CandycanesTart Orange CandycanesTart Orange CandycanesTart Orange Candycanes

These were my first using citric acid to add a bit of a sour kick. I'll need to experiment further, but the modest amount I used here was good for boosting the orange flavor without making them overtly sour.

Cinnamon Candycanes
Cinnamon CandycanesCinnamon CandycanesCinnamon CandycanesCinnamon Candycanes

I was warned to be careful with the cinnamon oil here, and with good reason. Pure cinnamon essential oil is very strong and it only took 2-3 drops to impart a tasty cinnamon flavor to these. I'm sometimes in the mood for a bit more hot cinnamon flavor, so next time I may add a drop more. That's all it takes though; the pure cinnamon leaf oil I bought warns that it can be a skin irritant and suggests that it's not for internal use. In other words, don't try this at home.

Banana Bread Candycanes
Banana Bread CandycanesBanana Bread CandycanesBanana Bread CandycanesBanana Bread CandycanesBanana Bread Candycanes

This is my first real mix of flavors to try to make a whole new one. I used natural banana flavoring, real vanilla extract, imitation almond extract, and added common breakfast 'maple' syrup to the sugar mixture. The results were decent but not terribly impressive: a subtle banana bread taste and a subtle yellow and off-white stripe.