Cookbook:Acid Drops

| Confectionery

Acid drops are a hard candy or confection made very sour through the addition of acid. Citric acid and tartaric acid are commonly used.

Ingredients

 * 2 cups (480 mL) white granulated sugar
 * 1 cup (240 mL) water
 * ½ tsp (2.5 mL) cream of tartar
 * 1 Tbsp (15 mL) citric acid
 * Powdered sugar

Procedure

 * 1) Bring the sugar, water and cream of tartar to boil over medium-low heat. Stir gently until syrup reaches 310°F (155°C/hard crack stage) or is pale brown. Syrup should harden completely when dropped on to a cold plate and snap between the teeth when cold.
 * 2) Pour the mixture onto an oiled heatproof work surface, and sprinkle with the citric acid.
 * 3) Use a greased spatula to fold in the sides and thoroughly work the acid in.
 * 4) When the candy is cool enough to touch but still pliable, roll it into sticks and snip off drop-sized bits.
 * 5) Sift powdered sugar onto the candies, and shake to coat.
 * 6) Allow to cool and harden completely. Store in an air-tight container.