Kiddie Cooking: Homemade Lollipops

Making homemade lollipops is a fun and creative cooking project. Here’s a basic recipe for making your own lollipops:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon flavored extract (e.g., vanilla, cherry, raspberry, or any flavor you prefer)
• Food coloring (optional)
• Lollipop sticks
• Lollipop molds (optional)
• Cooking spray (if not using molds)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Equipment:
   • If you’re using lollipop molds, lightly grease them with cooking spray and insert lollipop sticks into the molds. If you don’t have molds, you can use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on a baking sheet, and you’ll shape the lollipops freeform.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir them together over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Cook the Sugar Syrup:
   • Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Cook until it reaches the “hard crack” stage, which is around 300°F (150°C). This can take 10-15 minutes, so be patient.
4. Flavor and Color:
   • Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for a minute or two. Then, add your chosen flavor extract and food coloring, if desired. Stir well to combine.
5. Pour into Molds or Shape on Baking Sheet:
   • If you’re using molds, carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the prepared molds. Place the lollipop sticks in the syrup, twisting them gently to ensure they are coated.
   • If you’re shaping freeform lollipops, use a spoon to drop small circles of the syrup onto your parchment paper or silicone mat. Quickly place a lollipop stick into each circle and twist it gently to ensure it’s coated.
6. Cool and Harden:
   • Allow the lollipops to cool and harden completely, which can take about 15-20 minutes.
7. Remove from Molds or Paper:
   • If you used molds, carefully pop the lollipops out of the molds. If you shaped them freeform, they should easily peel off the parchment paper or silicone mat.
8. Enjoy:
   • Your homemade lollipops are ready to enjoy! Wrap them in cellophane or plastic wrap for storage or give them as gifts.

Remember that working with hot sugar can be dangerous, so take precautions to prevent burns. Be cautious when handling the sugar syrup and make sure to supervise children if they’re helping with this project. You can get creative with flavors and colors, and even add edible decorations like sprinkles before the lollipops harden for an extra touch of fun. —Vita Daily