I tried this saltwater taffy recipe first and it ended in an epic failure (apparently 270 degrees is way too hot for taffy.) But even if it was kind of gross, it was really fun.Īnd then we stumbled into this clip from Friends not too long ago,Īnd I decided my kids needed to make taffy and that for the sake of deliciousness, it needed to be saltwater taffy.

I also vaguely remember making homemade taffy for some kind of pioneer-related activity when I was a kid, but it wasn’t saltwater taffy and it wasn’t flavored, it was just a glob of gooey sugar. I remember watching (and smelling!) those taffy-pulling machines in the malls and at fairs and with my parents or my sisters and then buying a bag of it to take home, picking out the gross flavors (chocolate…) and sneaking all my favorites (orange…lemon…peppermint…) Slice thinly with a knife dipped in hot water to serve.I don’t know what it is about saltwater taffy, but of all the candies in all the world, it’s the one that takes me straight back to my childhood. Stir in dates and nuts allow mixture to cool.įorm the candy into a roll about 1-1/2 inches in diameter and wrap in the prepared aluminum foil refrigerate until firm. Stir frequently and bring to softball stage of 235☏. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, mix together the sugar and evaporated milk. This old fashioned date roll candy recipe is easy to make, and the delicious date candy is a little different from any other.ģ cups white sugar 1 cup evaporated milk 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped 1 cup chopped nutsīutter a 12x15-inch sheet of aluminum foil and dust generously with confectioner's sugar, then set aside for later. Note: Dried, pitted prunes can be substituted for the dates and dried or pressed figs for the apricots. Patties may also be studded with puffed rice, or strips of blanched almonds. Decorate with shelled nuts or halves of candied cherries, or roll in chocolate decorettes (chocolate chips) or finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut. Mix thoroughly until all milk is absorbed.Put ground fruit mixture into bowl and add 1/4 cup PET Evaporated Milk, 1/2 teaspoon grated orange rind, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.

Put dates and apricots through medium knife of food chopper with 2/3 cup seedless raisins and 1/4 cup shelled nuts of choice.Wash and dry on towel 1/2 cup uncooked, pitted dates and 1/4 cup uncooked, dried apricots.To substitute 1 cup evaporated milk, use 1 cup heavy cream, or gently simmer 2-1/4 cups whole milk in a saucepan until reduced to 1 cup. Refrigerate overnight and slice when chilled. When the candy is cool enough to handle, roll the mixture into the towel or wax paper in a log shape. Put a clean cup towel on the counter or butter a sheet of wax paper. Add dates, nuts and vanilla extract.īeat with a wooden spoon until creamy. Submitted by a Reader Date Nut Roll Candyġ cup milk 2 cups granulated sugar 1 tablespoon butter or margarine 1-1/2 cups chopped, pitted dates 1 cup chopped pecans 1 teaspoon vanilla extractĬook milk, sugar and butter over medium heat until it forms a soft ball when dropped into a cup of cold water, about 234☏. Thanks! -Linda Old Fashioned Date Roll Candy Recipe Don't know why I never asked her for her recipe. She was from Oklahoma and so was I, and then we moved to Texas. Thanks so much! Grandma would make it at Christmas, and I never knew how she did it, and I failed to ask. My grandmother made this same old fashioned date roll candy recipe.

Now and later candy recipe