posted by Jennifer P 02-18-103 6:40 AM
Oct/Nov 2002 Taste of Home
Molasses Taffy
7 TBS Butter (no substitutes), softened, divided
2 cups molasses
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/8 tsp. baking soda
Butter a 15 in x 10 in x 1 in pan with 3 TBS. butter, set aside. In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, bring the molasses, sugar and water to a boil. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 245F (firm ball stage) stirring occasionally.
Add the vanilla, baking soda and remaining butter. Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Uncover and cook until the thermometer reads 260F (hard-ball stage), stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; pour into prepared pan. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes or until cool enough to handle.
With butter fingers, quicky pull half of the taffy until firm but pliable. Pull and shape into a 1/2 inch rope; cut into 1 1/4 inch pieces. Repeat with remaining taffy. Wrap each piece in foil, colored candy wrappers or waxed paper. Yield: about 12 1/2 dozen.