Category
Sugar Stages
Understanding Sugar Stages: The Cold Water Test Explained
Before digital thermometers, candy makers judged a syrup's stage by dropping it into cold water. Here's how the classic cold-water test works, and how it maps onto the temperatures on a thermometer today.
Why Candy Won't Set (And How to Fix It)
Soft, sticky fudge that won't firm up. Caramel that stays gooey forever. Here are the most common reasons candy fails to set, and what to do about each one.
The Science of Caramelization: What Actually Happens to Sugar
Caramelization turns plain white sugar into hundreds of new flavor compounds and a deep amber color. Here's what's actually happening at the molecular level, and why it's easy to go from perfect to burnt in seconds.