Now you will see why I was so unhappy with the results...

n3m3sis42: Because you didnt want to disgrace the Ming Dynasty?

cor256: No, because half of the cake looks like it has a skin disease. But good point.

n3m3sis42: hehehehe well do the good ol American thing and cover that part up.. Maybe with a different iceing.

as a confectioner.... adding the vanilla extract to anything over 140 is a pointless act, and it causes sugar seizure.

that's probably the problem with the 1/2 batch -- too much seizing, not enough time to smooth it out against the rest of the caramel

Best to whip it, let it reduce in temp, THEN add the van.

(same as you would with any aerated sugar)

dwivian: Will try it that way. I'm not experienced with candy and pretty much just followed my MIL's recipe, which had the other order.

Thanks for the feedback!