A candy thermometer is needed to make candy jars.
Candy glass is a sheet of transparent material that is formed by pouring hot sugar syrup into a mold. It is not a very attractive candy as it lacks a flavor other than candy and is sometimes used in candy decorations and displays. Soft glass was historically used for stunts where people had to break windows. It’s relatively easy to make candy cups at home, as long as you have a sturdy skillet and a candy thermometer.
Sugar is a very interesting substance, especially when heated. By heating sugar and mixing it with various ingredients, people can change its chemical structure to create a wide range of shapes and textures. Some extremely talented candy makers can blow sugar syrups like glassblowers blow heated glass. Sugar can be made into bowls, cups, and a variety of other shapes. These techniques require advanced skills, but the candy jar is relatively easy to make.
In the movies, soft glass is a great replacement for a window, as it is transparent and will break just like a real window. However, the edges are much less sharp, which makes soft glass safer to work with than real glass. Candy glass can also be colored with paints to create a replica of a stained glass window. The main drawback of soft glass is that it tends to warp in hot or humid environments, and as a result, it must be used quickly.
To make one cup of fudge, heat three and a half cups of sugar, two cups of water, one cup of corn syrup, and one-fourth teaspoon of cream of tartar in a heavy pot to a boil. When it reaches the boiling point, most of the water will disappear, creating a very thick syrup. Continue boiling the syrup until it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit (148 degrees Celsius) and pour it into a mold. Keep in mind that candy glass is brittle, so it’s not a good idea to make a single sheet and try to cut it.
Once the glass of chocolate has solidified and cooled, it should be used as soon as possible. It will attract ants and other insects and will be subject to melting even in moderate conditions. If you need a glass facsimile for something like a vacation display, you might want to consider more durable alternatives to sweet glass unless you know the display will stay cool.