• Use the right sized pot.
==> Whatever the amount of syrup you're making, you want the initial sugar and water mixture to come about halfway up the sides of the pot. If it's too small, cooking sugar takes forever and you risk it boiling over. Use too large a pot and the sugar will cook so quickly that you're likely to overcook it.
• Medium to high heat is ideal for boiling sugar.
==>Again, too low and it takes forever; too high and it cooks too quickly.
• Combine your sugar and water off the heat, and stir it just until the sugar is evenly moistened.
• Avoid stirring the sugar if at all possible once you put it on the stove. Agitation can cause the sugar to crystallize.
• If you have to stir it, use a clean stainless steel spoon.
==> If you use the same spoon, the temperature difference between the residual sugar on the spoon and the boiling sugar can cause it to crystallize. Also, spoons made from other materials like wood or plastic could have foreign particles or residual fats on their surface that could (you guessed it) cause the sugar to crystallize.
• Use a pastry brush dipped in water to wipe down the sides of the pot during the first few minutes of cooking.
==> If the sugar mixture sloshed onto the sides of the pot, you'll want to wipe down the spatter. The best way to do this is by dipping a pastry brush in a little water and running it lightly around the interior of the pan just above the sugar-line. The water won't cause the sugar to crystallize.
• Use an interfering agent to prevent crystallization.
==> Interfering agents are usually acids like lemon juice, vinegar, or cream of tartar. These interrupt the binding process of the sugar crystals and help prevent crystallization. Just a teaspoon or two should do the trick.
• Watch the pot of boiling sugar like a hawk.
==> Sugar can be slow to get going, but once it reaches a full boil, it can move swiftly through the stages. A candy thermometer helps you keep an eye on how fast the temperature is rising. Until we feel more comfortable recognizing the stages of sugar, we'll try to resist our usual multi-tasking tendencies and stay close to the stove!
STYROFOAM CARVE
HOW TO CARVE THE STYROFOAM
Instructions
1. Decide on a shape. Before you begin to carve a piece of Styrofoam, you need to have a good idea of what you want to create with it. You can draw out a template on cardboard or simply sketch something out on paper. This will help you develop a plan of attack when it comes time to do the actual carving.
2. Start with the bigger cuts. Once you have an idea of the shape you want, begin by cutting large chunks of Styrofoam off to get close to the end result. You can use a serrated knife for the large cuts; if the Styrofoam is really thick, try an electric knife or hot wire tools.
3. Do some detail work. Once you have the general shape cut out, you need to go in and do the detail work. This can be done with a smaller serrated knife and a little bit of patience. A craft knife is also a good choice for the detail work.
4. Create some texture. If you want to create some texture, there are many specialty tools designed to help you carve Styrofoam. Some can help you create circles, while others can help you create texture or designs in your foam.
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