Candy can be as much of a holiday tradition as decorating the tree, putting up the lights and exchanging gifts. However, some holiday candy, such as fudge, peanut brittle, toffee and peanut butter balls, are a lot more difficult to make than people realize. In fact, K-State Research and Extension food scientist Karen Blakeslee says making candy is a cooking process that usually turns into a food science experiment.

Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more.

Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected].

K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.