© Hemera/Thinkstock Few goodies are as evocative of childhood as these brightly colored sweets on a stick. Flavoring oils can be purchased at health food stores-the flavor is more intense, and since, unlike extracts, they are not alcohol-based, the flavor won’t evaporate either. For more on how to make candy, and other delicious homemade candy recipes, click here.
IngredientsNumber of servings: Makes about 12 lollipops
- 12 lollipop sticks
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 4-8 drops food coloring of choice
- 2-3 drops flavoring oil of choice
- 1
Line a large baking sheet with foil. Arrange the lollipop sticks on the prepared pan, spacing the sticks 4 inches apart.
- 2
In a heavy saucepan over moderate heat, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup; cook, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved. Cover the saucepan, increase the heat to high, and boil the mixture for 1 minute to wash down any sugar crystals. Remove the cover, and boil the syrup until it registers 310°F on a candy thermometer. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and set it on a wire rack.
- 3
Let the syrup cool for 5 minutes, then add the food coloring and flavoring oil of choice; stir until the color is even.
- 4
Spoon the colored syrup over the top end of each lollipop stick, making a puddle about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Let the lollipops stand until they are completely cool and the candy has hardened. Wrap each lollipop in plastic wrap and secure below the candy.
