Watch carefully, though, so that the candy mixture doesn't boil over. After the sugar is dissolved, carefully clip the candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. For an accurate reading, be sure that the bulb of the candy thermometer is completely covered with boiling liquid, not just with foam, and that it does not touch the bottom of the pan. Always read the thermometer at eye level. When cooking candy mixtures, it is extremely important to keep the mixture boiling at a moderate, steady rate over the entire surface.
Many recipes suggest rangetop temperatures for cooking the candy mixtures.
If you use this information as a guide, you'll be able to maintain the best rate of cooking for optimum results. Because every rangetop heats differently, however, you also will have to rely on knowledge of your rangetop to judge whether you'll need to use a slightly higher or lower temperature to cook the candy mixture within the recommended time. To subscribe to Better Homes and Gardens magazine, click here . Copyright 1998 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved.