How can you tell soft ball stage without a thermometer?

To check your sugar syrup has reached the correct stage without using a sugar thermometer, place a bowl of very cold water next to the hob. Using a clean spoon, carefully take a little of the syrup and drop it into the bowl of cold water. Leave to cool for a moment then pick up the ball of syrup.

How do you test for soft crack stage?

The cold water test involves removing a spoonful of the sugar syrup from the pan and observing how it behaves in cold water. If, for example, the syrup holds its shape when formed into a ball underwater but loses its shape when removed, it has reached the soft-ball stage.

How do you make dragon beard candy without a thermometer?

Lay out a spoon and a bowl of cold water beside your pot of boiling sugar. Every few minutes, drop a small spoonful of syrup into the cold water. Let the candy cool for a second, then form it into a ball with your hand.

How can you tell if Fudge is soft ball stage?

You can also test for soft ball stage by using a glass of cold water. When the fudge has boiled for about 10 minutes start to test by dropping a little of the mixture into a glass of cold water. If the mixture forms a thread as it sinks into the water then it needs cooking for a little longer.

What temp is soft ball stage?

235° F
In fact, that’s how each of the temperature stages discussed below is named. For example, at 235° F, the syrup is at the “soft-ball” stage. That means that when you drop a bit of it into cold water to cool it down, it will form a soft ball.

What temp is hard ball stage?

If the candy forms a firm but not hard ball, it is in the firm ball stage. The temperature of this stage is between 242° — 248°F. Caramels are cooked to the firm ball stage. If the candy forms thick threads when it drips from the spoon, it is in the hard ball stage or 250° — 265°F.

Should you Stir fudge while cooking?

Never stir the mixture during cooking or sugar could crystallize again. The mixture may seize and become grainy. The fudge is ready when a candy thermometer reads between 112 to 114 °C (234 to 237 °F) or the mixture forms a soft ball in cold water. Let the mixture cool before beating.

How do you make soft ball stage?

For example, at 235° F, the syrup is at the “soft-ball” stage. That means that when you drop a bit of it into cold water to cool it down, it will form a soft ball. Most candy recipes will tell you to boil your sugar mixture until it reaches one of the stages below.

How many minutes does it take to get to soft ball stage?

The recipe I use takes about 45 minutes to reach soft ball stage.

How long does it take sugar to reach 300 degrees?

Just put your candy thermometer in the pan and watch for it to rise to 300 degrees. It takes about 10 minutes from the time it starts to really boil. After it’s reached 300 degrees, remove it from the heat and add whatever flavor you want, stirring constantly then add food coloring.

What’s the temperature of a soft ball candy?

Soft-Ball Stage . Soft-ball stage refers to a specific temperature range when cooking sugar syrups, occurring between 235 and 245 F. In addition to using a candy thermometer, this stage can be determined by dropping a spoonful of hot syrup into a bowl of very cold water. In the water, use your fingers to gather the cooled syrup into a ball.

How do you test candy temperature without a thermometer?

For any recipe that calls for a candy thermometer, all you’ll need is a bowl of cold water instead (the colder the better—ice water is fine!). While the candy is cooking, periodically drop a small spoonful of the candy into the bowl of cold water. Immerse your hand in the water, try to form the sugar into a ball, and bring it out of the water.

How does a temperature readout work on a thermometer?

Dial readouts will display temperature levels registered on a full circle of numbers to show when various levels are achieved. This type of thermometer will often be designed with a steel shaft probe sensor that is inserted into the liquids or substance to take the heat reading.

Can a thermometer be used for a cold water test?

The Cold Water Test can also be used along with a thermometer for the most accurate results. For the Cold Water Test: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the syrup (candy mixture) is dropped from a clean spoon into a small bowl of very cold water (not ice cold). Quickly examine and/or carefully pick up the sugar from the cold water.