Homemade Lollipops - Sugar Candy without thermometer

I am planning a princess themed party for my daughter, and while doing research for party ideas, I came across this idea. It was fun, and it was easy. But the first time I made it, it didn't turn out quite right. I didn't have the candy thermometer, so I could not record the actual temperature. Making candy needs accurate temperature readings, I am told. But when I searched again, I found what is called the 'cold water test'. This time, I did it properly, and the lollipops have turned out fantastic.

Imagine the possibilities! You can use so many different flavours, and use a combination of colours to make something like a rainbow lollipop.

But for starters, and to be on the safe side, I made a strawberry flavoured lollipop in rose pink colour. It looks good, to me it even tastes good. But I am wondering how Saee will receive it. She has been gone on a vacation for seven days, and I am missing her like crazy!

What you will need:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4th tsp flavouring
• a few drops of FDA approved food colour
• lollipop moulds (or tin foil)
• lollipop sticks (or toothpicks)
• a little oil for greasing
• a bowl of cold water

In a saucepan, take the sugar, water and corn syrup and place it on heat. Do not stir too much. Let it come to a boil and allow it to boil for about five minutes. Keep a bowl of cold water handy.

Meanwhile, grease the lollipop with a little oil. Do not use too much oil, you do not want oil flavored lollies. Place each stick in each mould. (Incase you do not have moulds, lay a tin foil flat on your working surface, and grease it with a little oil. Place lollipop sticks or toothpicks about 2 inches apart.)

Test the candy by dropping a small amount in the cold water. If it forms a blob at the base without forming a thread, it is still not done. Continue to boil for a minute or two and check again.

The drop should form a thread while going down in the water. This thread should crack when you break it in two. It should not bend and crack, just crack.

That is how you know your candy is done. Add the flavouring and colouring and mix it well. You have to be fast at this stage. Let the mixture sit a while, so that the bubbles settle. Once the larger bubbles have settled, pour out the mixture directly into the moulds or over the tin foil. 

It should take about ten minutes to set. Do not keep it in the refrigerator. Once set, remove carefully from the moulds, cover each with a plastic pouch and store in an airtight container. 

Your lollipops are ready!

Happy cooking!