Maple Leaf Candy

Ingredients:

2 cups maple syrup (real, not imitation)

1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

If you are using candy molds, prepare by spraying them lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

Take a paper towel and wipe off most of the spray; you want just a very thin coating of nonstick spray on the inside.

Pour the syrup into a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan and place it over medium heat. (The syrup will bubble up quite a bit, so make sure that the saucepan is large enough so that it will not easily boil over the top.)

Bring the syrup to a boil; this can take about 15 to 20 minutes.

Insert a candy thermometer and add the butter to the syrup

Stir until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.

Continue to cook the mixture until it reaches 240 F on the candy thermometer (soft-ball stage), about 35 to 40 minutes.

Remove from the heat and allow it to cool for 2 to 3 minutes.

Stir the candy vigorously with a wooden spoon until it thickens, lightens in color, and turns opaque, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Stop stirring once it reaches this point because if you continue to stir, it will start to set in the pan and become difficult to pour into the molds.

Working quickly, spoon the candy into the candy molds.

Smooth the tops of the candy with a small offset spatula

Once the candy is poured, it will start to set quickly. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

Pop the candy out of molds

Tips

Double-check your candy thermometer first before making this recipe, or any candy recipe, to ensure that it is accurate. This is easily done by boiling a pot of water and making sure the thermometer reads 212 F. If it doesn't, the calibration might be off, and you will need to take the difference and adjust accordingly. There is also a deviation depending on the altitude you are in.

These maple leaf candies make a great edible gift or treat. Put them in a decorative box or container and use them as a birthday present or serve at a gathering of family or friends.

How to Store Maple Leaf Candy

You can store the maple leaf candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.