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Wait, wait, wait! Don’t run away! I know–it’s black licorice. Blackest black midnight black licorice.
You see, previously, I thought you had to have a certain arrangement of genes in order to like black licorice. The red licorice? Sure, it’s a little more likeable. But the black jelly beans? Only a select portion of our population likes them. Black licorice twisty sticks? Even less people like them. But then, I had homemade black licorice. I was completely floored.
Here’s the truth: I scaled back on the anise extract a touch. This made all the difference in the world. This is how I was converted to a black licorice lover. But fret not, if you hoard black jelly beans and savor black licorice sticks, just use an entire tablespoon of anise extract for your beloved licorice flavor.
This homemade candy binge has been so fun! I had to pick up a few specialty ingredients for this recipe. I grabbed anise extract and black food gel. You can use the leftover anise extract for biscotti.
Butter the pan very well (yum!)
Boil the granulated sugar, dark corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, molasses and a pinch of salt. Boil the mixture to a temperature between 235 and 240-degrees F.
Stir in the flour, black food gel, and anise extract. Work quickly!
You can cut the soft, chewy licorice into bite-size pieces like I did below, or slice into thin strips and twist.
I shared my recipe with detailed instructions over on Food 52 right here.
This is licorice for the people, I tell ya.
This is fabulous — my Dad loves licorice so I’ll make it for him for Christmas!
Such a fun project!!
Christina. . oh my gawd. . you made homemade black licorice!! Amazing!! My husband would eat this entire pan!! No joke! Pinned because I suppose I have to make this for him! :P
I LOVE licorice! This is incredible, never seen a homemade version before!
Ho unusual to a see a recipe for this. I love liquorice, may even attempt myself.
I have always been a black AND red licorice lover. As a kid, I’d bite off the ends and use it as a straw! LOL Will definitely give this a try.
I’m a lover! Black jellybeans are my secret favorite :)
Ok. I DID almost run away. But then I saw the pictures. And then you said to not run away, so I didn’t. I am not a black licorice fan, like AT ALL. I don’t even like the red stuff. BUT after listening to you, I’m willing to give it another go….I think maybe it’s just that store-bought junk that’s turned me off from it.
I have always liked black licorice and not the red. I’ve never seen it homemade before, I may have to try this.
Thank you thank you thank you! I love black licorice, black jelly beans – the whole lot of it. I’m so excited to learn how to make my own; it really never even dawned on me to try it. Can’t wait to try this!!