Use nothing but fruit or vegetable colorings for candy; these can usually be obtained at a drug store, or from the confectioner. A little of these will go a long way. Colorings can be obtained in liquid form or in form of paste. The useful colors are orange, yellow, red, leaf green and violet. With red one can get all the shades of pink, and rose. Different shades of green can be made with the green by the amount used. Always remember that high colors are not desirable in candy and confine yourself to the paler shades as much as possible. You can obtain different shades by combining two colors; for instance, put a drop or two of red with your violet and you will have another shade, and so on. A good shade can be made with strong coffee.
By using different flavoring extracts one may have a great variety in candy. Use only pure extracts or oils. When using oil of peppermint or oil of cinnamon for flavoring remember it is very strong and use only a few drops, while from a half teaspoonful to a tablespoonful of extract may be used, according to the strength of flavoring desired. Always add the flavoring after the syrup has been removed from the fire, as in most cases it will boil out if put in with the other ingredients.
CHAPTER II
THE MAKING OF FONDANT
The foundation for innumerable cream candies and for nearly all bonbons is what the confectioners call "fondant." This is quite easily made by the home candy-maker after once getting the knack of it; but one must be careful to follow directions closely and not become careless. It has a great advantage from the fact that it can be made up a long time before it is worked into candies, since it will keep for a great length of time. It can be made up in large quantities, but it is best for the amateur candy-maker at first to make it in small quantities at a time, and make it oftener; then as she becomes more adept she may use several pounds of sugar at a making.
Fondant
To make the fondant take two pounds of granulated sugar, one-half cupful of water and one-fourth teaspoonful of cream of tartar. Boil this to the soft ball stage or to 238 degrees. Stir the sugar over a slow fire until it is thoroughly dissolved; then take a damp cloth and wipe away all the sugar crystals that appear on the sides of the pan. When it is done remove from fire and pour over a large platter that has been cooled or over a marble slab. Do not scrape the contents out of pan or allow it to drip, but pour out quickly, then there will be less danger of its graining. Let stand until nearly cool (not cold), then stir until it becomes thick and creamy, working it away from the edges of the platter or slab into a mass in the center. Use a wooden spoon in creaming the fondant, and it is a good idea to sprinkle a little cold water over the top of the syrup after it has been poured out on the platter; this will prevent a crust from forming on top. When too stiff to work with spoon take it in the hands and knead until it is smooth and velvety. Let stand a few hours until it has mellowed somewhat, then pack down in jars and bowls, and cover with a damp cloth. If kept for some time dampen the cloth occasionally. As we said before this fondant will keep for a long time, and one may use it when desired. If a batch should turn grainy after stirring it can be boiled over again, or used in making some other candy, but in either case it must be boiled over again and a little more water added. In making fondant it is best to take a kettle that has not been used for other purposes, or it will give the fondant a taste; also be very careful to have the thermometer clean if one is used. The fondant can be colored and flavored when still warm, or it can be colored and flavored when you warm or melt it when ready to make the bonbons. Fondant should cool quickly after it has been poured out on a platter or slab. As marble is naturally cool it is best for this purpose, but a platter may be placed on ice, or dipped in cold water before being used.