Recipe for Cola de Mono: A Sweet and Refreshing Monkey Tail Candy
Guide or Summary：Cola de MonoIngredientsEquipmentInstructionsCola de MonoCola de Mono, a delightful and refreshing treat reminiscent of a monkey's tail, is……
Guide or Summary：
Cola de Mono
Cola de Mono, a delightful and refreshing treat reminiscent of a monkey's tail, is a sweet confection that combines the zesty flavors of cola and the chewy texture of a taffy-like candy. Perfect for any occasion, this colorful and whimsical treat is sure to be a hit with both children and adults alike. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of making your own Cola de Mono, ensuring that your homemade version tastes just as delicious as the store-bought ones.
Ingredients
To create your Cola de Mono, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon yellow food coloring
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cola-flavored candy melts or fondant (green, red, and yellow)
Equipment
Before you begin, gather your equipment:
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Silicone mat or parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Scissors
- Plastic wrap
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Workspace:** Line a large, flat surface with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Have your candy melts or fondant ready, as well as your rolling pin and scissors.
2. **Make the Sugar Syrup:** In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
3. **Add Flavors and Thicken:** Once the sugar dissolves, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Insert a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Cook the syrup until it reaches the "hard crack" stage, which is 300°F (149°C) on the candy thermometer.
4. **Add the Flavorings:** Once the syrup reaches the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat. Quickly add the white vinegar, cream of tartar, and butter pieces. Stir vigorously until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
5. **Color the Syrup:** Divide the syrup into three bowls. Add the red food coloring to one bowl, the green food coloring to another, and the yellow food coloring to the third. Stir each bowl until the colors are evenly distributed.
6. **Pour the Syrup:** Pour the colored syrups onto the prepared workspace, spreading them out into three separate, thin layers. Allow each layer to cool and set for about 10 minutes.
7. **Combine the Layers:** Once the layers have set, carefully peel off the parchment paper or silicone mat. Using the rolling pin, roll each layer into a long, thin log. Combine the logs by gently pressing them together in the center, creating a single log with a swirl of colors.
8. **Shape the Cola de Mono:** Using the rolling pin, roll the combined log into a long, thin rope. Twist the rope gently to create the distinctive "monkey tail" shape. Place the Cola de Mono on a piece of parchment paper, and cover it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
9. **Melt the Fondant:** While the Cola de Mono is setting, melt the cola-flavored candy melts or fondant according to the package instructions. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
10. **Coat the Candy:** Once the Cola de Mono is fully set, use a pastry brush to apply the melted fondant over the entire surface. Smooth out any bumps or wrinkles as you go. Allow the fondant to set completely before handling.
11. **Finish and Store:** Once the fondant has set, use scissors to cut the Cola de Mono into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Store the finished Cola de Mono in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create your own delicious Cola de Mono at home. This whimsical and colorful treat is not only a delightful snack but also a fun and engaging activity to enjoy with friends and family. So why not give it a try and impress your loved ones with your homemade Cola de Mono? Your taste buds will thank you!