Use Sugar, Water, And Lemons To Make An Old-Fashioned Candy That Deserves A Revival

If you've ever visited an old-timey penny candy store, you've seen the jars of rock candy on the counter, full of sparkling sugar crystals that put candy canes and rainbow lollipops to shame. These sweets are elegant, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make, turning just three ingredients (four if you want to change the color) into a delectable treat that will make any beginner candy maker look like an expert confectioner.

Recipe developer Miriam Hanh's method for making lemon rock candy couldn't be simpler. Sugar-coated skewers are suspended in a supersaturated solution of water, sugar, and lemon juice (plus food coloring if you want your rock candy to be yellow instead of clear). Supersaturation occurs when you use heat to dissolve a solid into a liquid more than would be possible at room temperature. As the liquid cools, some of the sugar re-solidifies, grabbing onto the skewer and forming crystals much larger than those in your sugar bowl. (If you've ever made salt crystal snowflakes, it's the same technique, only tastier).

This process is super easy — the hardest part is the multi-day wait as your crystals form. It's also a great project to take on with kids, as it's a chemistry lesson hidden in homemade candy. The final result is just as impressive as the rock candy you've spotted in stores, and can be customized with colors and flavors to really make it your own.

Once your sugar crystals have formed and dried, it's time to ponder the possibilities. Of course, rock candy is tasty on its own, and this recipe features a subtle lemon flavor to cut through the sweetness. It's also great for stirring into drinks for a touch of tang, and would be the perfect pairing with a cup of hot or iced tea.

Come holiday season, rock candy has a multitude of uses. Stir it into a glass of champagne with some Angostura bitters for a stunning take on a champagne cocktail. Slip rock candy skewers into cellophane bags and pair them with fancy teas as a crowd-pleasing holiday gift. You can also break up the crystals and use them as a sweet and sparkly garnish on cookies, cupcakes, or cakes. Grind the crystals into a powder and use it as flavored sugar to rim cocktail glasses or enhance baked goods.

Just be sure to store your rock candy properly. After taking it out of the supersaturated solution, allow it to dry completely on parchment paper. Once it is dry, prevent mold on your candy by wrapping it in plastic and storing it in a cool, dry place.