Orange & Vanilla Honeycomb

This is my version of my fiance's favorite candy, a Crunchie. Before meeting him I had never tried one before, but was hooked immediately, so after many years of dating I set out to make my own and funny enough, it's incredibly simple. Add any flavors you want to amp up this honeycomb treat! Note, have everything mise en place before you start, as with caramel you don't want to scramble at the last minute. This is when having a candy thermometer is key! Cheers!

Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup water
zest of 1 orange
2 1/2 tsp baking soda 
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1.  Line a loaf pan (ideal) or brownie pan with parchment paper. When you pour your mixture into this tight pan it will keep you from trying to spread it out and deflating the mixture. Bubbles are KEY and so is height!
2. In a high sided saucepan on medium high heat add your sugar, corn syrup and water. Let the ingredients come to a boil and reach 280 degrees Fahrenheit
3. Add your orange zest and vanilla and let the mixture come up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit
4. Remove from heat and mix the baking soda gently with a silicone spoon or spatula (be careful of the steam) until everything has combined. It's important not to mix too much because you don't want to deflate your mixture
5. Pour mixture into lined pan and let cool for one hour, once cooled break apart