How to Make Sugar Glass

If the wonders of rock candy have lost their charm, this guide will turn that sweet candy confection into a clear pane or stained-glass work of art.

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Steps

Step 1

Combine ingredients

Combine the water, corn syrup, sugar, and cream of tartar in a large saucepan. Stir to combine them and heat them slowly over low heat.
If the heat is too high, the sugar mixture will caramelize and turn brown.
Step 2

Heat to hard-crack stage

Use a candy thermometer to bring the mixture up to the hard-crack stage -- around 290 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Carefully mix in a few drops of food coloring to create a stained-glass appearance.
Step 3

Spray sheet pan

Spray a sheet pan liberally with a nonstick cooking spray or use a silicone mold if you have one.
Step 4

Pour the sugar mixture

Pour the mixture into the pan quickly and evenly as it will start to set as soon as it is removed from the heat -- be careful and avoid being burned.
Step 5

Shake the pan or mold

Shake and tip the pan to get even coverage and to level the mixture. Wait an hour for the candy mixture to cool completely.
Use a pin to pop any bubbles so the glass has a smoother and more convincing texture.
Step 6

Remove glass

Remove the sugar glass from the pan by dragging a hot knife along the edges and then prying it up. A silicone baking mat should fold back and release more easily.
Step 7

Refrigerate until ready

Refrigerate the sugar glass until it's ready to use. Enjoy your prop glass while it lasts.
The first nuclear bomb test in New Mexico created a crater 800 yards across and melted the desert sand into a gray-green glass shell called trinitite.