Make Cotton Candy

Creating cotton candy (or candy floss, as it's known in some places) in large quantities is virtually impossible without a machine designed specifically for doing so (in which case, one would follow the directions for that specific machine). However, it is fun and pretty simple to make your own beautiful creations from threads of spun-sugar, if you have some patience, know-how, and a few common household tools.



Steps

 * 1)  Heat 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of light corn syrup over medium-low heat in a saucepan equipped with a candy thermometer.
 * 2)  Stir until sugar is dissolved, and then raise burner temperature to high.
 * 3)  Watch pot carefully, heating until the mixture reaches 310 degrees Fahrenheit (the "hard-crack" candy stage).
 * 4)  Remove pot from heat immediately and let sit for a moment, so the syrup starts to become more viscous.
 * 5)  Use a fork to dip into the syrup and then drizzle it quickly onto a surface that has been coated with some non-stick cooking spray.  Try making shapes, patterns, and 3 dimensional forms by drizzling over bowls and such.
 * 6)  Once you have the process mastered, it is also possible to drizzle over an oiled metal rod that is suspended above the floor (i.e. a metal spoon that is hung off of the counter with a heavy pan as a counterweight), and then quickly gather the threads with your gloved, oiled hands and long sleeve covered arms before they completely harden, making a more free form ball or nest of cotton candy.

Tips

 * Follow all safety considerations outlined in the "warnings" section.
 * Prepare your work area before starting cooking. If the mixture gets too cool it will not be possible to create good threads.
 * Surround work area with waxed paper, parchment, or newspaper, for easy clean up.
 * A few drops of essential oils stirred in at the last minute can be used to flavor your creations.

Warnings

 * Heated sugar can cause serious burns. Use caution. Temperatures are similar to those of oil used for deep frying, but unlike oil, the hot sugar will not run off of your skin as readily, instead coating it and continuing to burn until it is cooled. This means that you could get third degree burns if you're not careful. Third degree burns may require hospitalization and maybe painful.
 * Do not make spun sugar "cotton candy" by hand when children or pets are nearby.
 * Use extra caution when making spun sugar "cotton candy" by hand as it may be a dangerous activity. Failure to watch your pan could result in a fire.
 * Candy making is simple but precise work. Even a few degrees above or below the recommended will prevent threads from forming.
 * Remember to wear an apron, it can be very messy.

Things You'll Need

 * Granulated sugar
 * Medium sized pot
 * Oil
 * Light corn syrup
 * Candy thermometer
 * Non-stick cooking spray

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Make Candy Apples
 * How to Be a Candy Lover
 * How to Make Beautiful Mini Homemade Boxed Chocolates
 * How to Make Really Easy and Delicious Chocolate Mousse
 * How to Make Sugar Candy
 * How to Make Homemade Butterscotch