Homemade Horehound Candy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh horehound leaves or 1/2 cup dried horehound leaves
• 2 cups water
• 3 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare Horehound Infusion:
   • If using fresh horehound leaves, rinse them well and pat them dry. If using dried horehound leaves, you can skip this step.
   • In a saucepan, combine the horehound leaves and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it steep for about 15-20 minutes. This will create a horehound infusion.
   • Strain the horehound leaves from the infusion, pressing them to extract as much liquid as possible. You should be left with a cup of horehound tea. Set it aside.
2. Prepare Candy Mixture:
   • In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the horehound tea, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and cream of tartar. Stir the mixture well.
3. Cook the Candy:
   • Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, insert a candy thermometer into the mixture.
   • Cook the candy mixture, without stirring, until it reaches the hard-crack stage on the candy thermometer, which is around 300-310°F (149-154°C). This may take around 20-30 minutes.
4. Remove from Heat:
   • Once the candy mixture reaches the hard-crack stage, remove it from the heat. Be cautious as the mixture will be very hot.
5. Add Flavor (Optional):
   • If desired, add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the candy mixture and stir it in.
6. Shape the Candy:
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust it with powdered sugar.
   • Carefully pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. You can use a spatula to spread it out to your desired thickness.
7. Score and Break:
   • As the candy begins to cool but is still pliable, use a knife or kitchen shears to score it into small squares or rectangles.
   • Once the candy has completely cooled and hardened, break it along the scored lines to create individual horehound candies.
8. Store:
   • Place the horehound candies in an airtight container, separating the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Enjoy your homemade horehound candy as a sweet treat with a delightful bittersweet flavor and potential health benefits. Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness.