Candy for Your Honeybees

Here is a recipe for making the "candy" that is used for winter
feeding using a "candy board" (an inner cover turned with the flat
side up placed over the cluster) This was copied from "The Buzz",
which is distributed by Phil Craft.

" A small-batch fondant recipe:
Mix 2 c granulated sugar,
1.5 c of water,
2 Tablespoons corn syrup,
and 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar.

Stir until sugar dissolves and continue to heat without stirring
until the mixture reaches 238 degrees F. (Use a candy thermometer.)

If you use bottled corn syrup from the grocery store, make sure it
is "light" corn syrup, not "dark". Dark corn syrup has molasses in
it, which should not be fed to bees. Pour the mixture onto a cool
surface and let it sit until cool enough to touch. Then beat the
candy until it is thick and pour it into a thin container or mold,
like a cookie sheet lined with wax paper, to harden.

The candy can be broken up.

Another recipe for larger batches calls for 15 pounds sugar, 3 pounds
corn syrup, 4 cups water, and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar. Make the
candy in the same manner as the small-batch recipe. Cooking and
beating are the keys, and placed over the inner cover.

Alternatively, an empty honey super can be placed on top of the brood
chamber and the candy placed on stick supports on the top of the
brood bars. Some beekeepers will make a special small fondant feeder
similar to an inner cover, but deeper (1 inch or more). The candy can
be poured into this feeder and placed over the brood box upside down.
by Kent Williams