Lemon Chews

By bsctbb

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp lemon extract
• 1/2 tsp citric acid
• 1-2 drops yellow food coloring

Details

Servings 20

Preparation

Step 1

Prepare a 9x5 loaf pan by lining it with foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Combine the butter, corn syrup, and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until the butter and sugar dissolve, then wash down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent sugar crystals from forming. Insert a candy thermometer.

3. Cook the candy, stirring occasionally, until the thermometer reads 245 F (118 C). It's very important not to overcook this candy, as even slight overcooking can cause it to harden and lose its wonderfully chewy texture.

4. As soon as it reaches the proper temperature, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon extract, citric acid, and yellow food coloring. Stir until the ingredients are well dispersed, then pour the candy into the prepared pan.

5. Allow the candy to set at room temperature until it cools and sets completely, at least 4 hours or overnight.

6. Once set, remove the candy from the pan using the foil as handles and flip it upside down on a cutting board. Carefully peel the foil off the back. Use an oiled chef's knife to cut the candy into small 1-inch squares to serve.

7. Because Lemon Chews are soft and chewy, they will gradually lose their shape if left alone at room temperature. I recommend wrapping them in waxed paper to make them easy to save and handle. Individually wrapped Lemon Chews can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.