Treat yourself to some homemade candy during National Candy Month

June is National Candy Month! We know candy is enjoyed all year long, so this National Candy Month, why not try something new? The kitchen in your American Legend home is the perfect hub for a DIY candy factory your whole family will enjoy. 

We found a few great recipes to share with you: 

Delicious Homemade Caramels Recipe by iheartnaptime 

Photo credit: iheartnaptime

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups light Karo syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon table or fine salt
• 1/2 cup salted butter , cubed
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (1 pint)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Butter a 9x13" baking dish and set aside.
2. Combine the sugar, Karo syrup and salt in a large pot over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and started to bubble. Slowly stir in the cream. Don’t let it stop boiling and keep stirring. Next, stir in the butter. Keep the mixture at a boil and stir constantly, about 15 to 20 minutes. When the temperature has reached 245°F (firm ball) stir in the vanilla. Remove from heat and pour into the dish.
3. Let sit on the counter until it has hardened. Usually, I will make in the evening and let sit overnight. Once the caramel has hardened, use a buttered or plastic knife to cut into rectangles. Cut into 12 vertical rows and then cut 4 caramels from each row. Cut wax paper into 3x6-inch squares and then wrap the caramel inside.
4. Caramels will stay soft for 2 to 3 weeks. 

Hard Tack Candy by Tastes of Lizzy T 

Ingredients

• 1.75 pounds granulated sugar (about 3 1/2 cups)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup corn syrup
• food coloring
• .125 ounces LorAnn Flavoring Oil
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions: 

1. Line a large baking sheet (at least 12×17") with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Place the sugar, water and corn syrup in a saucepan and place over medium heat. Mix constantly until the sugar melts and the mixture starts to boil.
3. Continue to cook and stir. The first time you make this, you may want to keep the heat at medium. Once you are comfortable with the process, feel free to turn up the heat. Just continue to mix gently. Be patient!!! Temperature is everything. This recipe will not work if you take it off the heat too soon.
4. Constantly measure the temperature of the boiling sugar mixture and cook until it reaches 280º Fahrenheit. At this point, add in the food coloring. Add a few drops at a time until it reaches the color you'd like.
5. Continue to cook the mixture until it reaches 290º Fahrenheit. Don't rush this process! Make sure it hits at least 290º, but up to 295º is ok.
6. Remove the sugar from the heat and stir in the flavored oil.
7. Immediately pour the hot sugar on the prepared pan. Make sure you don't have a super thick layer or it will be hard to crack apart.
8. Allow the mixture to cool completely (this will take about 30 minutes).
9. Use a meat mallet to crack the candy into pieces.
10. Place the candy pieces into a zippered bag. Add the powdered sugar and shake to coat.
11. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. The candy will keep this way for several months.

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups by Living on a Dime

Ingredients 

• 2 cups powdered sugar 
• 1/2 cup butter 
• 1 cup peanut butter 
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 pkg. (12 oz.) chocolate candy wafers or almond bark

Instructions 

1. Cream butter
2. Add peanut butter, sugar and vanilla
3. Place chocolate in a microwave-safe dish and microwave until melted, stirring frequently
4. Pour a small amount of melted chocolate in bottom of paper holders
5. Put in filling and pour more chocolate on top until the filling is covered
6. Let chocolate harden before serving