Okay, I couldn't stop at making just felt suckers...I had to make the real thing!
(Or should I call them lollipops?! I can't decide!) :)
I've been wanting to make suckers for years, so this was an extra fun project for me. I also have fond memories of my own mother making them for me and my siblings when we were younger...I hope to create the same memories for my own children!
Before sharing the recipe take a look at some of the pictures I took during the sucker-making process:
Avery enjoyed being my little helper.
I loved watching the syrup boil!
There was not enough time to take pictures of the steps between adding flavoring/coloring and pouring the syrup in the molds...sorry!
~Hard Candy Recipe~
1 Cup Sugar
1/3 Cup White Corn Syrup
1/2 Cup Water
1/2 Tsp Flavoring
Food Coloring
Grease inside of molds with butter/shortening. Place molds on greased flat surface (flat cookie sheet works nicely). Place clip over tabs of molds and insert sucker stick between tabs. Combine sugar, water, and corn syrup in small saucepan. Cook on medium high to 300 degrees F (hard crack stage).
Remove from heat and let cool to 275 degrees F then add flavoring and food coloring. Stir until blended. Pour into molds. Allow to cool until candy is set. Remove clip from mold then remove mold from sucker/lollipop. Set lollipop on second flat surface to complete cooling.
* * *
This was my first time making suckers, and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy and simple they were to make! Though it is a fun project to do with children please do not allow them near the hot syrup--it could burn them very badly if an accident were to occur. Instead, let them hand you the sticks to place in the tabs, help package the suckers in bags, etc.
If you happen to live in the lovely area Portland, OR, do visit the wonderful shop where I purchased my Valentine sucker molds, Decorette. If not, you can purchase them online at Get Suckered.
Enjoy!!
xoxo,
Pamela
