Making lollipops, Step 3

All the molds are now set up. You can see how far the lollipop stick is inserted into the mold area. Once the molds are all set up start preparing the ingredients for cooking.
Here is a basic hard candy recipe. This is the same recipe printed on every package of Sweet Creations Lollipop Molds:

1 cup sugar
1/3 cup white corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp. Flavoring See note 1, below.
food coloring See note 2, below.
l/8 tsp. Citric acid (optional) See note 3, below.

1. Use 1/4 to 1 tsp. depending on concentration of flavoring.
2. To make opaque odors add 1/2 tsp. liquid white coloring (Chefmaster Liquid Whitener, Wilton White-White, or equivelent).
3. Citric acid may be added to fruit flavors to add tartness. Use 1/8 tsp. dissolved in 1 tsp. warm water. Add at same time as flavoring.

Combine sugar, water, and corn syrup in saucepan. Cook on High heat until the mixture reaches 280 degrees F. Lower the heat to Medium High. Continue to cook mixture to 300 degrees F. Cooking time is approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand until bubbles subside (approximately 265 degrees F). Add your favorite hard candy flavoring and food coloring. Stir until blended. Do not over stir.

Here is the basic Microwave cooking instructions:

Mix all ingredients listed above in a 1 quart glass pitcher or bowl (Pyrex). Cook on high for 3 minutes. Remove and stir. Cook additional 3 minutes; remove and stir. Start checking temperature with a candy thermometer when stirring the mixture the third or fourth time. Continue to check with each subsequent stirring. Continue cooking until mixture reaches 300 degrees F. Total cooking time approximately 16-20 min.