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Farm Kitchen:  What did I do wrong???  |
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FarmGirl~K
True Blue Farmgirl
512 Posts
Kelly
TX
USA
512 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 03 2009 : 6:31:02 PM
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I made a double batch of the caramels in the last issue of MaryJanes Mag. Put it in a container lined w/parchemnt after following the directions & adding all the ingredients it said to... but it will not set in the center. It has been sitting out for 2 days now. I have put it in the fridge now hoping that will help. Just wondering what would cause that? Anyone else have that trouble?
"I have an irrepressible desire to live till I can be assured that the world is a little better for my having lived in it."
– Abraham Lincoln |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2009 : 7:11:31 PM
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Maybe it's the double batch part. I know that some recipes you can double no problem but some you aren't supposed to, so perhaps the total density as determined by the width by depth is too great for it to be able to set up (sorry for the nerdy scientist wording, I just miss writing papers sometimes:))
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
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Hanalu
True Blue Farmgirl
123 Posts
Hana
Redwood City
California
USA
123 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2009 : 8:08:21 PM
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Did you take the caramel to 245 degrees? If it doesn't get hot enough it won't set up...or if it gets too hot the caramels will be too hard.
Hana
#348 |
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K-Falls Farmgirl
Chapter Leader
2096 Posts
Cheryl
Klamath Falls
Oregon
USA
2096 Posts |
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FarmGirl~K
True Blue Farmgirl
512 Posts
Kelly
TX
USA
512 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2009 : 10:23:56 PM
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Thanks for all the suggestions! Putting it in the fridge has seemed to help. But I havent cut it yet. Looks hard though. I think you are right about the double batch. Next time I'll just make one batch, or put it in 2 containers. I did use a bigger one than it said, but I think its still just too thick. I did take it to 245. I saw another thread after writing this one, & some had issues with their thermometer. I dont think that was mine, it was brand new. But you just never know. I am looking forward to trying it tomorrow. Everyone has given it rave reviews. Thanks again!
"I have an irrepressible desire to live till I can be assured that the world is a little better for my having lived in it."
– Abraham Lincoln |
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jumpingjuliet
True Blue Farmgirl
146 Posts
becky
oroville
CA
USA
146 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2009 : 5:03:12 PM
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i made a single batch and took it to 245 but they wouldn't set up either. We just scoop a little out of the pan on our finger and eat it. My pecan bark didn't set up either, I think my thermometer is off.
I am one with my inner farm girl! |
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FarmGirl~K
True Blue Farmgirl
512 Posts
Kelly
TX
USA
512 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2009 : 05:12:55 AM
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Becky. I thought mine set up in the fridge, but when we went to cut it, all the butter & cream mix was at the top & the sugary syrup at the bottom. I pulled it out & recooked it. It set finally! Started to burn to the bottom towards the end, but I could tell it looked different from the first time (even though I also took it to 245 then). Mine turned darker the 2nd time. Only mistake I made was that I ran out of parcment & used wax paper instead. Big mistake! So all the paper is stuck to the bottom. I've been sticking it in the freezer & then taking the paper off. Seems to be working ok. No one seems to mind though including one of DS friends. Couldnt keep away from it. Just warned them all to watch for it, just in case I missed some. 
"I have an irrepressible desire to live till I can be assured that the world is a little better for my having lived in it."
– Abraham Lincoln |
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Mumof3
True Blue Farmgirl
3890 Posts
Karin
Ellenwood
GA
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2009 : 06:31:44 AM
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It usually is not a good idea to double-batch candy or jams and jellies. You would think it wouldn't make a difference, but it does. It alters the timing needed for a set and it is one thing you cannot guess on.
Now, if that had been me, I'd have put the unset middle on ice cream and said it was the plan all along! lol
Karin
Farmgirl Sister
# 18 :)
www.perfectlittlemiracle.blogspot.com
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Farm Kitchen: What did I do wrong??? |
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What did I do wrong???
