Honey Taffy.. Didn't it Used to be Easier??

First you boil the honey.  Amanda & David keep a close eye on the procedure.

 Rob has fond memories of making honey taffy with dad and he really wanted to share this experience with his children.  So he asked Grandpa if he would make some while we were there.  Bill was happy to oblige. Honey Taffy was a family favorite as the kids were growing up- not only because it tasted good, but, because it was a lot of fun pulling it.  The recipe is simple-  

Boil honey to a hard ball stage.  Wait till it is cool enough to handle. Butter hands, then pull it until it loses its gloss and turns a lovely ivory color.  Stretch and twist it into a rope.  Place rope on a surface that has been liberally sprinkled with powdered sugar. Cool.  Break it into bite sized pieces by tapping on it with the handle of a knife.  Wrap individually in wax paper, twisting the ends.   

Unfortunately, like any taffy recipe, the results are never quite predictable but, in the dry desert air of Utah we had a pretty good success rate. 

Grandpa demonstrating his technique.

Thomas: "Are we having fun yet?"

David: "Now I do what??"

Amanda:"Whatever you say, Grandpa"

As I said, in the dry desert air of Utah this works really well. In the humidity of Texas.. not so much.  Even Grandpa's expert pulling technique couldn't pull it off.  It never did turn into the silky delicious taffy we so fondly remember.  But, fun memories were made, nonetheless.  The kids had a great time pulling the sticky stuff, Grandpa got a wonderful arm work out and what's not to like about honey taffy.. even if it doesn't set up perfectly?  (sorry about the kitchen, Jolyn!)

David probably had the most fun- he really got into the sticky fingers thing.