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