Taffy

From Shirley Evans
Makes 350 to 400 pieces

8 c. sugar
3 c. light corn syrup
3 c. water
cocoa powder (unsweetened), 3 tsp. per plate of taffy to make chocolate
desired flavorings, 1/2 tsp. for most; 1 tsp. for vanilla and lemon

Combine sugar, syrup and water in a large kettle (at least 6 quarts). Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the kettle. Stir mixture until sugar dissolves. Continue to stir occasionally, over high heat using a long-handled wooden spoon, until the temperature reaches 272 degrees. (DON'T GUESS ON THE TEMPERATURE--THIS IS IMPORTANT!)

Immediately pour the taffy onto well-buttered, dinner plates (the whole recipe uses 7 or 8 plates). Add the flavorings and your choice of food colorings (several drops per plate); let cool slightly. When cool enough to touch briefly, lift edge of taffy toward the center of the plate with the tips of your fingers, repeating the process until the taffy can be formed into a soft ball and lifted from the plate. It will still be very hot. Toss from hand to hand, kneading slightly as you toss. As it cools, stretch it out, then double it back again. Keep stretching until it loses its gloss. Stretch into a rope about 1/2-inch in diameter, coil on wax paper and leave a few minutes. Cut into 1-inch pieces, wrap and store in an air-tight container.