Hard Candy

Back in the old days,Lori Stiles and I would get together and make candy.  This recipe was from a Charlie Brown cookbook and it was called "Lucy's Lemon Lollipops".  Below is a picture of how we made them before the days of sucker molds.  The twins asked me if I could make some hard candy for Christmas this year.  So, I did some experimenting to come up with a microwave version so I didn't have to stand at the stove stirring for 20 to 30 minutes.  Here it is.....

Hard Candy

Mix together in a microwaveable 8 c. measuring bowl:

1/2 c. corn syrup

1 c. sugar 

Cover with plastic wrap microwave for 3 minutes on High.  Remove plastic wrap carefully.  

Stir quickly and cover with a new sheet of plastic wrap and microwave for 2 more minutes.  

Carefully remove the plastic wrap and stir in:

1/2 to 1 t. flavoring (lemon, orange, root beer extract)  If using flavored oil it only takes a small amount.

Pour into sprayed molds or onto a sprayed cookie sheet.  

Let cool and about 20 minutes and then remove from molds or break into pieces.  

Hints:

Have all your supplies ready before your start.

A sprayed wooden spoon works best for stirring.

I like to shake the candy pieces in a baggie with 1 to 2 T. powdered sugar. Shake off excess.  This keeps it from sticking together.  

Microwave cooking times may vary due to the wattage of your microwave (mine is 1000 watts).