Dragon's Breath candy – the candy that makes you breathe smoke – has become a viral sensation. This incredibly fun and visually impressive treat involves a fascinating process that combines culinary creativity with a touch of science. Making your own Dragon's Breath candy at home is surprisingly easy, and this guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you create a safe and delicious experience.
What is Dragon's Breath Candy?
Dragon's Breath candy gets its name from the dramatic effect it produces: a puff of "smoke" emanating from your mouth after you eat it. This effect is achieved through the use of liquid nitrogen, an extremely cold substance that instantly freezes the candy coating. When you eat the candy, the liquid nitrogen rapidly vaporizes in your mouth, creating the illusion of smoke. It's crucial to remember that liquid nitrogen is extremely cold and requires careful handling.
Safety First: Handling Liquid Nitrogen
Before we delve into the recipe, let's address the critical safety aspects of using liquid nitrogen.
- Always use appropriate safety gear: This includes gloves, eye protection, and a well-ventilated area. Liquid nitrogen can cause severe frostbite upon contact with skin.
- Never ingest liquid nitrogen directly: The extremely low temperature can cause severe internal damage.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: The vapor produced by liquid nitrogen is harmless, but good ventilation prevents the build-up of any potential condensation.
- Keep away from children: This project is not suitable for unsupervised children. Adult supervision is paramount.
- Source your liquid nitrogen responsibly: Purchase from reputable suppliers who can provide you with proper safety information.
Ingredients for Dragon's Breath Candy
The beauty of Dragon's Breath candy lies in its simplicity. The core ingredients are readily available:
- Candy coated chocolates (e.g., M&Ms, Skittles, or similar): These provide the base for the candy. Choose your favorite!
- Liquid Nitrogen: The key ingredient for creating the "smoke" effect. You will need a significant quantity to cover the candies efficiently.
Making Dragon's Breath Candy: A Step-by-Step Process
-
Prepare your Workspace: Ensure you have a clean, flat surface, your safety gear, and the liquid nitrogen readily available.
-
Chill the Candies (Optional): While not strictly necessary, chilling your candies slightly in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes can help them freeze more quickly and uniformly.
-
Immerse the Candies: Using tongs or gloves, carefully place the candies into the liquid nitrogen. Make sure each candy is fully submerged to ensure complete coating. Avoid overcrowding the container.
-
Freeze the Coating: The freezing process is incredibly fast. Keep the candies submerged for just 10-15 seconds, ensuring they are evenly coated and frozen solid.
-
Remove and Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the candies using tongs and place them on a clean, dry surface. Eat them immediately to experience the full "Dragon's Breath" effect.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Candies not freezing properly: Ensure the candies are fully submerged in the liquid nitrogen and left for the correct amount of time. Insufficient submersion or freezing time will result in partially frozen candies.
- Liquid nitrogen boiling over: Avoid overcrowding the container when submerging the candies. Work in batches if necessary.
- No "smoke" effect: Make sure the candy is completely frozen. The lack of a visible effect might indicate the candy wasn't fully frozen before consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does the "smoke" last?
The "smoke" effect lasts for a short period, typically a few seconds to a minute, depending on the size of the candy and the ambient temperature.
Is Dragon's Breath candy safe to eat?
When handled properly and with necessary safety precautions, Dragon's Breath candy is safe to eat. The liquid nitrogen vaporizes harmlessly in your mouth. However, direct consumption of liquid nitrogen is extremely dangerous.
Where can I buy liquid nitrogen?
Liquid nitrogen can be purchased from various suppliers, including scientific supply companies, welding supply stores, and some specialty food retailers. Always ensure you understand the safety precautions before handling it.
Can I make Dragon's Breath candy with other types of candy?
While candy-coated chocolates work best, you can experiment with other small, solid candies. However, be aware that results may vary depending on the candy's composition.
What happens if I swallow liquid nitrogen?
Do not swallow liquid nitrogen. It can cause severe internal damage due to its extremely low temperature. If you accidentally ingest any, seek immediate medical attention.
Making Dragon's Breath candy is a fun and exciting culinary adventure. By following these steps and prioritising safety, you can create this unique and impressive treat. Remember, safety should always come first when working with liquid nitrogen. Enjoy!
