Homemade 6 PACKS Cadbury Adams Swedish Fish Red Original Soft and Chewy Candy - Mini Recipe: A Chewier, Healthier Twist on the Classic Treat

Category: Candy

Introduction

Cadbury Adams Swedish Fish have been a beloved candy for decades, capturing the hearts of many with their iconic fish shape, soft chewy texture, and sweet, fruity flavors. These little red fish, in particular, have become synonymous with cherry or strawberry flavor. While store-bought Swedish Fish are convenient, making them at home allows you to customize the flavors, reduce sugar content, and enjoy a fresher product.

The original Swedish Fish candies have a unique texture that’s both soft and slightly firm, with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. They’re made with a combination of sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, which gives them their signature chew. However, the store-bought version contains a significant amount of sugar and artificial ingredients. By making them at home, you can create a healthier version using natural flavorings and less sugar, while still achieving that iconic texture.

Why Make It at Home?

Making Swedish Fish at home offers several benefits:

• Customization: Experiment with different flavors and colors to create unique variations.
• Healthier Options: Reduce the sugar content or use natural sweeteners for a better nutritional profile.
• Cost-Effective: Homemade candies can be more economical, especially when made in bulk.
• Freshness: Enjoy your candies at peak freshness without preservatives.

Personal Anecdote

I remember the first time I tried making Swedish Fish at home. I was amazed at how close I could get to the original texture and flavor using just a few simple ingredients. The process was surprisingly straightforward, and the result was a batch of candies that were not only delicious but also healthier than the store-bought version. My kids loved helping me shape the mixture into little fish, and we had a blast experimenting with different flavors and colors.

Recipe Details

• **Prep Time:20 minutes
• **Cook Time:10 minutes
• **Total Time:30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 1 pound (450g) of candy (about 200-250 mini fish, depending on size)

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unflavored gelatin

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon artificial cherry flavor (or natural cherry extract)
• A few drops of red food coloring (natural or artificial)

Optional Additions:

• 1/4 teaspoon citric acid (for a tangy flavor, optional)
• Natural food coloring (beet juice or turmeric for a more natural red color)

Instructions

• Prepare the Mold: Lightly grease a silicone candy mold or a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. If using a silicone mold, place it on a baking sheet for stability.

• Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup (60ml) of cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.

• Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and 1/2 cup (120ml) of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved.

• Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Once the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C), remove it from the heat.

• Add Gelatin: Carefully add the bloomed gelatin to the hot sugar mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. The mixture will bubble up and steam vigorously, so be cautious.

• Add Flavor and Color: Once the gelatin is fully incorporated, stir in the cherry flavor and a few drops of red food coloring. If using citric acid, add it now and stir well.

• Pour into Mold: Pour the mixture into the prepared mold or baking dish. If using a silicone mold, tap it gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. If using a baking dish, let it cool slightly before spreading it out.

• Cool and Set: Allow the mixture to cool and set at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. If using a baking dish, once set, use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut out fish shapes.

• Finish and Store: Once the candies are set and firm to the touch, they’re ready to eat. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Storage Instructions

• Short-Term Storage: Store the homemade Swedish Fish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Long-Term Storage: For longer storage, place the candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Variations

• Low-Sugar Version: Replace the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, adjusting the amount to your taste.
• Vegan Version: Use agar-agar instead of gelatin and ensure the flavorings are vegan-friendly.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Tangy Version: Increase the amount of citric acid for a more sour taste.
• Natural Colors: Use beet juice or turmeric to create a natural red color instead of artificial dyes.

Special Equipment

• Candy Thermometer: Essential for achieving the correct temperature to get the right texture.
• Silicone Candy Mold: Ideal for creating the fish shape. You can also use a silicone ice cube tray or a baking dish if you don’t have a candy mold.
• Whisk and Spatula: For mixing and pouring the hot sugar mixture.
• Baking Sheet: For stabilizing the silicone mold during cooling.

Pro Tips

• Don’t Stir Too Much: Avoid stirring the sugar mixture too much after adding the gelatin, as it can create air bubbles that affect the texture.
• Use the Right Mold: If you’re using a silicone mold, make sure it’s clean and dry before pouring in the mixture to ensure the candies release easily.
• Accurate Temperature: The temperature of 240°F (115°C) is crucial for achieving the right chewiness. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, test the mixture by dropping a small amount into cold water—it should form a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water.

Nutritional Comparison

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.

FAQ

• Can I use fresh fruit puree for flavoring?

  • Yes, you can use fresh fruit puree, but be aware that it may affect the texture. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

• What if the mixture crystallizes?

  • Crystallization can happen if the mixture is stirred too much or if it’s not heated to the correct temperature. To avoid this, use a candy thermometer and minimize stirring after adding the gelatin.

• Can I make these candies vegan?

  • Yes, by replacing gelatin with agar-agar and ensuring all flavorings are vegan-friendly.

• How do I store them to keep them fresh?

  • Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

• Can I scale the recipe for larger batches?

  • Yes, you can double or triple the recipe, but keep in mind that larger batches may require longer cooling times and more careful monitoring of the temperature.

Serving Suggestions

• Snacking: Enjoy them as a sweet treat on their own or add them to lunchboxes for a fun surprise.
• Gift Ideas: Package them in decorative jars or bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Party Favors: Use them as colorful additions to party favors or candy buffets.
• Baking: Incorporate them into baked goods like cookies or brownies for a fun twist.

Conclusion

Making homemade Swedish Fish is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy a healthier, customizable version of this beloved candy. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can create a treat that’s as delicious as the store-bought version but with the added benefits of being fresh, customizable, and lower in sugar. Whether you’re making them for yourself or as a gift for someone else, these homemade Swedish Fish are sure to be a hit. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the chewy, fruity goodness of your very own homemade Swedish Fish!