Spun Sugar

Ingredients

• 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Original recipe calls for 2 lbs (approx. 4 cups) of sugar. This recipe uses a scaled-down, more manageable quantity for beginners.)
• 0.5 cup Water
• 1 tablespoon Light Corn Syrup (Optional, but highly recommended for beginners as it helps prevent crystallization and makes the sugar easier to work with.)

Instructions

1. 1Lay a large sheet of parchment paper or a silicone mat on your countertop. For easier spinning, you can suspend a wooden dowel or broom handle between two sturdy chairs, covering the floor beneath with parchment paper or newspaper to catch drips. Lightly oil the parchment paper or dowel where you intend to spin the sugar. This setup will catch the spun sugar threads.
2. 2In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup (if using). Stir gently over low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Avoid stirring once the sugar has dissolved to prevent crystallization.
3. 3Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the syrup to a boil without stirring. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring it doesn't touch the bottom. Cook the syrup until it reaches 300-310°F (149-154°C), which is the hard crack stage. This will take approximately 10 minutes. If any sugar crystals form on the sides of the pan, brush them down with a wet pastry brush.
4. 4Once the syrup reaches the hard crack stage, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool for about 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and is still pourable but no longer actively bubbling. The ideal temperature for spinning is around 280-290°F (138-143°C).
5. 5Dip a whisk or a fork into the slightly cooled syrup. Lift it out and quickly move it back and forth over your prepared spinning surface (parchment paper or dowel). The sugar will stretch into fine threads as it cools. Continue dipping and spinning, building up layers of delicate sugar threads. Work quickly, as the syrup will cool and harden in the pan. If it hardens, you can gently reheat it over very low heat until it's pourable again.
6. 6Once you have a good amount of spun sugar, gently gather the threads into a loose ball or nest shape. You can use your hands (wearing heat-resistant gloves if desired, as the sugar can still be warm) or two forks. Spun sugar is very delicate and should be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for a very short period, as it is highly susceptible to humidity.