Part science experiment and part sweet treat. This is fun for the kids and perfect for Halloween and bonfire night.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes (plus cooling)
Ingredients - Serves: Depends on how sweet your tooth is!
165g demerara sugar
165g caster sugar
60ml golden syrup
4 tbsp water
15g butter, diced, plus extra to grease
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda
*You will also need a kitchen thermometer
Method
Generously grease an approximately 24cm square tin.
Put the bicarbonate of soda within easy reach of the hob.
Place both sugars, syrup, water, and butter in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan with a pinch of salt. (Make sure it is a deep pan or the ‘science bit’ will go horribly wrong!).
Heat gently, stirring, until the sugars and butter have dissolved, then turn up the heat slightly and bring to the boil. Simmer until it reaches 138C, turns amber and bubbles – this will take about 10-15 minutes.
When the mixture gets to temperature, remove it from the heat and quickly and thoroughly whisk in the bicarb. It will foam and grow alarmingly. The kids will love it!
Pour the foamy mixture into the tin and leave to set. When cold get the kids to smash it into pieces.
Optional: Pour melted chocolate over the shards for the ultimate cinder toffee treat.