
A historical confectionery from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913).
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Boil two ounces of dried hoarhound in a pint and a half of water for about half an hour
Strain and add three and a half pounds of brown sugar
Boil over a hot fire until sufficiently hard
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Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Boiling hoarhound extracts bitter compounds (marrubiin) that provide the candy's distinctive medicinal flavor. The extended boiling time with brown sugar brings the syrup to the hard-crack stage (300-310°F), where sugar molecules break down and re-form into a rigid crystalline structure. Brown sugar's molasses content adds flavor complexity and slight hygroscopicity, which helps prevent the candy from becoming too brittle.
The hoarhound infusion can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before adding sugar and proceeding with the recipe.
Store completely cooled candy pieces in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months. Keep in a cool, dry place away from humidity. If candy becomes sticky, it has absorbed moisture and should be consumed promptly.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The hoarhound infusion can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before adding sugar and proceeding with the recipe.
Store completely cooled candy pieces in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months. Keep in a cool, dry place away from humidity. If candy becomes sticky, it has absorbed moisture and should be consumed promptly.