Mine Run Candy

Directions

1. 1
   Line a 13-in. x 9-in. pan with foil and grease the foil with butter; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and vinegar. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil. Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage).
2. 2
   Remove from the heat; stir in baking soda. Immediately pour into prepared pan. Do not spread candy. Cool. Using foil, lift candy out of pan. Gently peel off foil; break candy into pieces.
3. 3
   In a microwave, melt chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip candies in the chocolate mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 2 pounds.
4. 4
   Editor's Note: We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.