Ingredients and Weight:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Lollipop sticks or skewers
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
15-20 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (Simple)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture thickens and reaches the hard-crack stage (300-310°F on a candy thermometer).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, if desired.
- Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the syrup and immediately place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Allow the candy to cool and harden for several hours or overnight.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (1 lollipop):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 0g
Dish Characteristics:
- Sweet and crunchy
- Colorful and festive
- Perfect for parties and gatherings
- Can be customized with different flavors and colors
User Comments:
- "These rock candies are so delicious and easy to make! My kids love them."
- "I brought these to a party and they were a huge hit. Everyone loved them."
- "The vanilla extract adds a nice touch of flavor."
- "These are a great way to use up leftover candy syrup."
- "They are so easy to make, even beginners can do it."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- The syrup will be very hot, so handle it with caution.
- It is important to reach the hard-crack stage to ensure that the candy is hard and crunchy.
- If you do not have a candy thermometer, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into a cup of cold water. If it forms a hard, brittle thread, it is ready.
- You can use any flavoring or food coloring you like to customize the candy.
