Salt Water Taffy

This famous candy is sold all along the Boardwalk at Atlantic City, New Jersey.

1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2/3 cup white corn syrup
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
Food coloring
Flavoring extracts (vanilla, almond,
    orange, peppermint, etc.)

Mix sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Stir in corn syrup, butter, water and salt. Cook over moderate heat until mixture reaches 254 degrees F or until a few drops tested in cold water form a ball which holds its shape.

Remove from heat; add a few drops of food coloring and flavoring extract, and pour onto a buttered platter. Cool until it can be handled comfortably. Butter your hands and pull the taffy until it is light in color and firm enough to hold a shape. Stretch into a roll about 1 inch in diameter and snip off bits with kitchen shears. Wrap each piece in wax paper.