I went on to explain that when you buy a candy thermometer it is a good idea to test it. Then she said “It seems to work just fine when we are grilling”…she was using a meat thermometer in her candy…this is a no-no.

Just break down and buy a candy specific thermometer, they aren’t that expensive and hot molten sugar behaves a little differently than meats do, plus this way you will avoid any accidental cross contamination.

There are hundreds of tutorials on the internet, both written instructions and videos, on how to test your thermometer. When in doubt always perform a thread test/cold water test on the candy you are cooking to double check your thermometer.