Rock Pop Candy Part 1

We had done this one in the pass the dogs & I It did take a week & a few days to get the stick covered nicely but it was well worth it....Rex handed them out to his class- We used the others with our afternoon hot tea... We prepared 4 mason jars worth... In the lids I cut holes to hold the skewer stick in place This work better then the clothes pins for me. I hope we get around to it & do it again this week-end for Rex;s class this year & Valentine's day. I'll post back what ours turned out looking like next week!
Enjoy recipe below:



Rock candy is a simple sugar candy that can double as a science experiment. The process can take up to a week, but it’s fun to watch the sugar crystals growing over time. Note that the exact quantity of sugar syrup you will use depends on the size of the jar you have. If you want to make several pieces of rock candy, use multiple jars and skewers, and double or triple the sugar syrup solution as necessary. For easily printable instructions, please see the rock candy recipe. Begin by assembling your ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2-1 tsp flavoring extract or oil (optional)
• food coloring (optional)
• glass jar
• skewer or thread (see below)

Prepare your materials: wash a glass jar thoroughly with hot water to clean it. To make rock candy on a wooden stick, cut a thin skewer until it is slightly taller than your jar. Use clothespins balanced across the top of the jar to clip it into place. This method is illustrated above. Alternately, you can make your rock candy on a string instead. Cut a length of thick cotton thread or kitchen twine a few inches longer than the height of the jar, and tape it to a pencil. Place the pencil across the lip of the jar, and wind it until the thread is hanging about 1 inch from the bottom of the jar. Attach a paper clip to the bottom of the thread to weigh it and ensure it hangs straight down.



Wet your thread or wooden skewer, and roll it in granulated sugar. This base layer will give the sugar crystals something to “grab” when they start forming. Set the thread or skewer aside to dry while you prepare your sugar syrup.





Place the water in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a boil.




Begin adding the sugar, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition. You will notice that it takes longer for the sugar to dissolve after each addition.




Continue to stir and boil the syrup until all of the sugar has been added and it is all dissolved. Once the syrup is entirely liquid and smooth, remove the pan from the heat.



If you are using colors or flavorings, add them at this point. If you are using an extract, add 1 tsp of extract, but if you are using flavoring oils, only add ½ tsp, and make sure you don’t stand right in front of the pan—the scent can be very strong as it rises in the steam. Add 2-3 drops of food coloring and stir to ensure even, smooth color.

Cinnamon Heart Pops

**Moon Dog Note**These were always one of my favorites as a child**

Heart pops are a sweet treat for Valentine’s Day. These candies have a cinnamon kick and a cute heart shape. Make sure you have an accurate candy thermometer for this recipe!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ¼ cup water
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon oil
• Red food coloring
• Heart lollipop molds and lollipop sticks

Preparation:

1. Prepare your molds by spraying them with nonstick cooking spray and inserting lollipop sticks into the molds.

2. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Insert the candy thermometer and stir until sugar dissolves.

3. Allow to boil, without stirring, until candy reaches 295 degrees (hard-crack stage).

4. Once the candy reaches 295, remove it from heat. Stir in the cinnamon oil and 1-2 drops of red food coloring.

5. Spoon the candy into the mold cavities, making sure to cover the back of the stick.

6. Allow to cool completely and remove once hardened.

Variation: Mint extract can be substituted for cinnamon.

Huge Chocolate Kiss

This Huge Chocolate Kiss is a large-scale take on the familiar Hershey’s Kiss candy. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion when a small “kiss” just won’t do. Make sure you purchase good-quality chocolate for this one: since the kiss is solid chocolate, it pays to buy the best.

You can use any size funnel you have on hand, but bear in mind that the quantity of chocolate you need might change.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound milk or dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 large funnel

Preparation:

1. Prepare a large measuring cup or wide-mouthed vase by stuffing it with loosely crinkled aluminum foil.

2. Wrap a piece of foil around the bottom of the funnel’s opening and keep it in place with a rubber band or with tape. Securely place the funnel in the measuring cup, adding more crumpled foil at the sides to keep it from moving, if necessary.

3. Temper the chocolate. Pour it slowly into the funnel until it almost reaches the top.

4. Allow the chocolate to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely set (at least 5 hours, or overnight).

5. Once set, remove from refrigerator and unmold by rapping the bottom of the funnel on the counter top. The chocolate should pop right out.

6. Wrap the kiss in a square of foil, twisting at the top. Include a note on a paper “flag” if desired.