8 5-oz. unwaxed paper cups
vegetable shortening or nonstick cooking spray
8 lollipop sticks (narrow popsicle sticks would do)
assorted tiny candies (like cinnamon red hots or cake
sprinkles)
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
flavor extracts and colorings
Cut 1" from the tops of the cups to create a ring
mold (looks like a biscuit cutter) for each lollipop. Spray
Pam or lightly rub shortening inside the rim of each cup.
With an awl, make a small hole just below the rim in each
cup - that’s where the round version of a lollipop stick
will go through (if you need to use popsicle sticks, cut a
tiny slit with a knife). Place the molds rims-down onto a
heavy oiled baking sheet and insert the sticks into the
holes. Arrange a sprinkling of candies within. Now you’re
ready for the food part!...
Combine the sugar, water, and syrup in a heavy saucepan
and bring the mixture to boiling over medium heat, stirring
constantly. Boil without stirring until it reaches
hard-crack stage (300 degrees on the candy thermometer),
about 6-8 minutes. (Lower the heat if the syrup darkens.)
Remove immediately from heat and let stand exactly one
minute - then stir in the extract and coloring of your
choice. Hold a metal spatula across the first mold to press
it firmly against the baking sheet (a helper comes in handy
about now!)... Slowly ladle the syrup into each mold and let
the lollipops cool until they’re hard - then carefully
peel off the paper molds. ...Beautiful pops!
