Prepare the Candy Mixture

1. Set Up Your Workspace: Grease a large baking sheet and set it aside. Butter a heatproof spatula for stirring later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Stir until evenly mixed.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add corn syrup, water, butter, and salt to the pan. Stir gently to combine.
4. Heat the Mixture: Place the pan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
5. Bring to a Boil: Stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.

Cook the Taffy

1. Reach the Right Temperature: Cook the mixture until it reaches 250°F (hard ball stage). This ensures the taffy will have the right consistency.
2. Remove from Heat: Carefully take the pan off the stove and stir in the vanilla extract and food coloring, if using.

Cool and Stretch

1. Pour the Mixture: Pour the hot candy onto the greased baking sheet. Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes or until it’s safe to handle.
2. Butter Your Hands: Grease your hands with butter to prevent sticking.
3. Start Stretching: Gather the cooled taffy into a ball and begin stretching it. Pull the taffy into a long rope, fold it in half, and stretch again. Repeat this process for about 10-15 minutes until the taffy becomes lighter in color and less sticky.

Shape and Cut

1. Form Ropes: Roll the stretched taffy into long ropes.
2. Cut into Pieces: Use greased scissors to cut the taffy into bite-sized pieces.
3. Wrap the Taffy: Wrap each piece in a small square of wax paper, twisting the ends to secure.