Chewy Sea Salt Taffy

Instructions:

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the granulated white sugar and cornstarch. Stir in the light corn syrup and water.
2. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once the mixture begins to boil, stop stirring and attach a digital candy thermometer.
3. Continue boiling the mixture without stirring until it reaches exactly 254°F (123°C), the soft-ball stage.
4. Immediately remove the pan from the heat. Quickly stir in the cubed unsalted butter, fine sea salt, and pure vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is glossy.
5. Pour the hot mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. Allow it to cool for 15–20 minutes until warm but not scalding.
6. Using the paddle attachment on low speed, pull the candy by mixing. As the taffy cools, continue pulling until it reaches a chewy, pearlescent consistency.
7. Dust a surface with extra cornstarch or powdered sugar, shape the taffy, and allow it to cool completely for 1 hour before cutting into pieces.