Colorful holiday platter with rock candies, chocolates, and sparkling sugar confections for festive celebrations.
# 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 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
# Method:
01 - Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly dust with powdered sugar.
02 - In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
03 - Increase heat to bring mixture to a rolling boil without stirring. Cook until the temperature reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
04 - Remove saucepan from heat immediately. Stir in flavored extract and desired food coloring. Gently swirl to combine.
05 - Carefully pour the 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, approximately one hour. Dust with additional powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
06 - Melt dark and white chocolates separately using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
07 - Pour melted chocolates into festive silicone molds or spread onto parchment paper. Swirl white chocolate into dark for marbled appearance, then sprinkle with holiday sprinkles or edible glitter. Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm. Unmold or break into pieces.
08 - Arrange rock candy shards, holiday chocolates, gumdrops, candied fruit, and sparkling sugar decoratively on a large serving platter. Serve immediately or store in airtight containers.
