The Delicious History of Cinder Toffees
Depending where you are from you may be more familiar with Cinder Toffee, Sponge Candy, Puff Candy and more!
When you think of cinder toffee, you might think of Bonfire Night or Halloween. But this sweet treat has a surprisingly murky past. If you’ve never had cinder toffee, you’re missing out on a real treat. This delicious confection has a rich history dating back centuries. Today, cinder is enjoyed by people all over the world. Here’s a brief overview of the sweet treat’s fascinating past.
The earliest known recipe for cinder toffee dates back to the early 1800s. The recipe, which appeared in a cookbook called The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy, was for a confection known as “Hokey-Pokey.” Hokey-Pokey was made by boiling sugar and water until it reached the “crack stage,” then pour it onto a baking sheet. Once it cooled, it would be broken into pieces and enjoyed.
Interestingly, the word “hokey-pokey” was actually used to describe various other sweets during this time period. In fact, some believe that the term may have originally referred to a type of ice cream sold on the streets of London. However, there’s no definitive answer as to where the name “hokey-pokey” came from or how it came to be associated with this particular confection.
Cinder toffee wasn’t widely known outside of Britain until World War II. British troops stationed abroad would often write home asking their families to send them hokey-pokey. In time, cinder toffee became an international treat enjoyed by people of all ages.
How Is Cinder Toffee Made?
Cinder toffee is made by dissolving sugar in water and boiling it until it reaches a temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150°C). Baking soda is then added to the mixture, which causes it to foam up and expand. The mixture is then poured into a mold and left to cool and harden. Once it has hardened, the toffee can be eaten as is or used as an ingredient in other sweet treats.
Ingredients
1 cup (200g) sugar
1/4 cup (50g) glucose syrup
2 tsp (10g) baking soda
1/4 cup (60ml) water
How to make your own
Combine the sugar, glucose syrup, and water in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Turn up the heat to medium and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Do not stir from this point on. Instead, just brush down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent any sugar crystals from forming.
Cook the mixture until it turns a deep golden brown color and reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. This should take about 5 minutes.
Once the mixture has reached 300°F (150°C), immediately remove it from the heat and add in the baking soda. Stir until well combined then pour the mixture onto a Silpat or a sheet of parchment paper that has been lightly greased with cooking spray. Allow the cinder toffee to cool completely before breaking it into pieces and enjoying!
What Does Cinder Toffee Taste Like?
Cinder toffee has a unique flavour that is simultaneously sweet and bitter. The texture is also unique; it is crunchy and light, almost like a sponge. When you bite into a piece of cinder toffee, your teeth will sink right into the centre, making for a pleasant and novel experience.
Conclusion
Cinder toffees are a delicious sweet treat with a long and fascinating history. Dating back to the early 1800s, this confection has been enjoyed by people all over the world. If you’ve never tried cinder toffee before, be sure to give it a try – you won’t be disappointed.
