Dragon Hair Candy or Dragon Beard Candy
Experience the mesmerizing art of making Dragon Hair Candy, also known as Dragon Beard Candy—an ancient Chinese delicacy that blends culinary skill with enchanting theatrics. This uniquely handcrafted candy features thousands of gossamer-thin sugar strands created through a mesmerizing process of stretching and folding, reminiscent of pulling silk threads. Infused with roasted peanuts and sesame seeds for a delightfully nutty crunch, this candy offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Made from simple ingredients like granulated sugar, corn syrup, and vinegar, this recipe invites you to master the intricate process of transforming hardened sugar into a delicate web of edible magic. Perfect for festive occasions or as a conversation-starting dessert, Dragon Hair Candy is a dazzling testament to traditional confectionery techniques and artistry.
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Ingredients
- 450 g Granulated sugar
- 50 g Light corn syrup
- 1 tbsp Vinegar
- 120 ml Water
- 200 g Cornstarch
- 50 g Roasted peanuts (crushed)
- 30 g Sesame seeds (roasted)
Directions
Step 1
1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, vinegar, and water. Stir to combine.
Step 2
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat without stirring until it reaches 133°C (271°F) on a candy thermometer. This is the soft-crack stage.
Step 3
3. Once the desired temperature is reached, carefully pour the hot sugar mixture into a silicone or lightly greased heat-proof baking dish.
Step 4
4. Let the candy cool at room temperature for 30 minutes or until it hardens but is still pliable.
Step 5
5. While the candy cools, spread the cornstarch evenly on a large, clean work surface. You will use the cornstarch to prevent sticking throughout the process.
Step 6
6. Once the candy is cool enough to handle, remove it from the dish and form it into a smooth, circular disk. Poke a hole in the center with your fingers to create a ring.
Step 7
7. Place the candy ring on the cornstarch-covered surface, and begin to stretch it gently using both hands. Twist, fold, and stretch to double the strands repeatedly, ensuring you coat the candy with cornstarch to prevent sticking each time.
Step 8
8. Repeat the twisting and pulling process until the candy forms 8,192 fine strands. This may take 12 to 16 folds in total.
Step 9
9. In a bowl, mix the crushed peanuts and roasted sesame seeds for the filling.
Step 10
10. Take a small portion of the finely pulled candy strands and place a spoonful of the nut-and-seed mixture at the center. Fold the candy strands around the filling to enclose it completely.
Step 11
11. Repeat the process with the remaining candy strands and filling until all the candy is used.
Step 12
12. Store Dragon Hair Candy in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and consume within 2 days for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (916.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3090.8 |
| Total Fat 40.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 5.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 193.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 687.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 8.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 488.9g | |
| Protein 18.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 335.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 6.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 514.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories