A vibrant holiday assortment of rock candies, festive chocolates, and sparkling sugar treats for a stunning dessert display.
# Components:
→ Rock Candy
01 - 2 cups granulated sugar
02 - 0.75 cup water
03 - 0.5 cup light corn syrup
04 - 0.5 teaspoon flavored extract (peppermint, cherry, or lemon)
05 - Food coloring (red, green, or as desired)
06 - Powdered sugar for dusting
→ Holiday Chocolates
07 - 7 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
08 - 3.5 ounces white chocolate, chopped
09 - Holiday sprinkles or edible glitter
→ Sugar Confections
10 - 1 cup assorted gumdrops
11 - 0.5 cup candied fruit (cherries, orange peel, etc.)
12 - 0.5 cup sparkling sugar or edible glitter
# Directions:
01 - Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly dust with powdered sugar.
02 - Combine granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
03 - Increase heat and bring mixture to a boil without stirring. Cook until temperature reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
04 - Remove from heat immediately. Stir in flavored extract and a few drops of chosen food coloring, swirling gently to combine.
05 - Carefully pour hot syrup onto prepared baking sheets. Allow to cool 5–10 minutes, then score with a buttered knife or break into shards once fully set (about 1 hour). Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
06 - Melt dark and white chocolate separately using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts.
07 - Pour melted chocolates into festive silicone molds or spread onto parchment paper, swirling white into dark chocolate for marbled effect. Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles or edible glitter. Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm, then unmold or break into pieces.
08 - Arrange rock candy, chocolates, gumdrops, candied fruit, and sparkling sugar on a large platter in a decorative holiday pattern. Serve immediately or store in airtight containers.
