Stamped Lollipop Shopping List

Ok, gang, here is your shopping list for the Lollipops we are going to make this weekend!! Get your stuff ready~
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup white corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon oil flavor
coloring for mixture (squeeze bottles work best)
citric acid (optional)
lollipop molds, clips, sticks
flat cookie sheet
non-stick cooking spray
small sauce pan
wooden spoon
blank foam rubber stamp pad
food coloring paste
RUBBER STAMPS!

STEP ONE: MAKING THE LOLLIPOPS!
1. Wash molds before use. Place molds on flat, heavy duty cooking sheet. Spray with PAM or other non-stick spray.
2. Place clips over tabs of molds and insert stick between them (about halfway into the mold).
3. Combine sugar, corn syrup, water in small sauce pan. The mixture may burn if a large pan is used.
4. Cook on medium high heat to 300 degrees (hard crack stage). Remove from heat and cool to around 275 degrees.
5. Add coloring and flavoring. If you want to add tartness, dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid in 1 teaspoon of water and add along with the coloring and flavoring. Use a wooden spoon and stir until blended.
6. Pour mixture into molds. To avoid rough edges, use the spoon to wipe off drips as you pour. If mixture gets too thick while pouring, reheat mixture, stirring constantly.

For pastel colors, add 2-3 drops of white coloring. 15-20 drops will make the lollipop white. Make sure that the stick is covered completely when pouring, otherwise it might fall off the stick when licked!

STEP TWO: STAMPING YOUR DESIGN
If you want an "embossed" look, stamp on the lollipop when it's warm (when you can see a light impression of your fingerprint when touched); you can also stamp on a cooled lollipop.

1. Spread food coloring paste onto stamp pad evenly.
2. Stamp your image onto the pad and then onto the lollipop. Press until you feel it give a little, then pull up. The cooler the lollipop, the more force you will need to create the embossed look. If it is totally cooled, it will not give at all.

STEP THREE: FINAL TOUCHES
1. Remove clips from molds, remove molds from lollipop. Slide them up/down to remove and be careful not to bend them out of shape.
2. Place lollipop on a flat surface to cool - approx. 3-5 minutes.
3. Wrap them in small plastic bags and seal with tape or twist ties or ribbon at the base of the candy.

Be sure to wrap as soon as they are cool to the touch and store them at room temperature.
You can make lollipops in any color and flavor with any design - so you can match them to any holiday or theme!

BE CAREFUL. LOLLIPOPS CAN BE DANGEROUS. Do not touch or lick them until they are totally cooled off. Rough edges along the sides can cut your tongue, and they are extremely hot until cooled. If a batch burns, do not hold under running water. The candy mixture can explode and could burn you. Take the burned batch outside and pour over a piece of foil. Soak empty pan in hot water. It helps to spray the pan with PAM first. I am not responsible for injuries! :)

Recipe makes 10-12 lollipops.

This is a fun activity for older kids - under supervision - and great gifts and favors for parties and showers! Enjoy! Oh - and don't forget to clean your rubber stamps!