Introduction: What is Dragon Beard Candy?
Dragon Beard Candy, also known as "Dragon’s Beard" or "Chinese Cotton Candy", is a traditional Chinese sweet that has been around for centuries. It is made by pulling a dough of sugar, corn syrup, and maltose into hundreds of thin strands, which are then wrapped around a filling of peanuts, sesame seeds, or chocolate. The candy is then coated in a mixture of starch and corn flour to prevent it from sticking together.
Dragon Beard Candy is not only a delicious treat, but it is also an art form. The process of making the candy requires skill, patience, and precision, and it is often performed by street vendors in China and other parts of Asia.
Ingredients needed for Dragon Beard Candy
To make Dragon Beard Candy, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup maltose
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup potato starch
- 1 cup corn flour
- Filling of your choice (peanuts, sesame seeds, chocolate)
You will also need a candy thermometer, a mixing bowl, a rolling pin, and a clean surface to work on.
Step 1: Mixing the Dough
To make the dough for Dragon Beard Candy, combine the sugar, corn syrup, maltose, and water in a mixing bowl. Heat the mixture on low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat and cook the mixture until it reaches 270°F on a candy thermometer.
Step 2: Pulling the Dough
Once the dough has reached the desired temperature, pour it onto a clean surface and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Once it is cool enough to touch, begin pulling the dough with your hands. This process is known as "pulling the dragon’s beard" and requires a lot of skill and practice. The goal is to create hundreds of thin strands of dough.
Step 3: Adding the Filling
Once you have pulled the dough into thin strands, add your filling of choice to the center of the dough. This can be peanuts, sesame seeds, or chocolate.
Step 4: Shaping the Candy
Once the filling has been added, fold the dough in half and twist the ends together to seal the filling inside. Then, shape the candy into a ball or oval shape.
Step 5: Cutting the Candy
Using a pair of scissors or a sharp knife, cut the candy into smaller pieces. Each piece should be about the size of a small bite.
Step 6: Adding the Coating
To prevent the candy from sticking together, coat each piece in a mixture of potato starch and corn flour.
Step 7: Rolling the Candy
Once the candy is coated, roll each piece between your palms to remove any excess starch and create a smooth, round surface.
Step 8: Repeating the Process
Repeat the process until all of the dough has been used. This may take several attempts to perfect.
Conclusion: Enjoying Dragon Beard Candy
Dragon Beard Candy is a delicious and unique treat that is enjoyed by many people around the world. It is a great dessert to serve at parties or to give as a gift to friends and family.
Tips for Making the Perfect Dragon Beard Candy
- Be patient and take your time. The process of making Dragon Beard Candy requires practice and skill.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the dough reaches the correct temperature.
- Keep your hands lightly oiled to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands.
- Experiment with different fillings and coatings to find the perfect combination for your tastes.
- Store the candy in an airtight container to prevent it from becoming sticky.
