Old-Fashioned Sea Foam Candy

Step 1
Butter or oil an 8-inch square baking pan; set aside.

Step 2
Put sugar, water, vinegar, and syrup in a heavy 4-quart saucepan (cast iron if you have it). Gently heat mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon, until sugar has dissolved and syrup has melted. Bring to a boil, cover, and boil for 3 minutes. Remove the lid and boil until temperature reaches 285 degrees F (140 degrees C) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda, mixing well to allow bubbles to subside a little.

Step 3
Pour hot mixture into the prepared pan and leave until just beginning to set. Mark into squares with a lightly oiled knife. Leave to set completely. Cut or break into pieces.

Step 4
Combine chocolate chips, shortening, and baking chocolate in a 2-quart glass bowl. Microwave on high until melted, about 2 minutes. Stir with a wooden spoon. Dip candy pieces into chocolate, covering completely. Let cool on waxed paper.

Step 5
Wrap candy individually in waxed paper, twisting the ends together. Store in an airtight container.