4th of July Red & Blue Star Lollipop Candy Recipe

What better way to enjoy the 4^th of July then to do it with your children? While you are planning for your family barbeque, gather your children around and have them help you make these fun and festive lollipops and enjoy some colorful Independence Day treats. The following recipe is easy enough for even young children to help with and will satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. Make this 4^th of July special by spending quality time in the kitchen with your children.

Red and Blue Star Lollipops

The first important item needed is the star lollipop candy molds.

http://www.wineandcake.com/browse.cfm/candy-making/hard-candy-molds/christmas/star-hard-candy-sucker/4,3203.html

This website offers a wonderful price and the molds are perfect for this recipe. The website also offers a large variety of other shapes for all holidays, including American flag molds. The lollipop sticks, flavor extracts, and thermometer are also available from this website.

You will need a reliable candy thermometer to make sure the candy is cooked the correct length of time and to the correct temperature. This is very important.

1 Cup of sugar

¼ Cup light corn syrup

½ Cup room temperature water

½ tsp flavored extract, for example Strawberry, Peppermint, Cinnamon, etc. (Whatever flavor that sounds appealing that you find in your local store)

2-3 drops of red and/or blue food coloring

Lollipop sticks

Spray the molds with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place lollipop sticks in the molds. In a medium pan mix together sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place candy thermometer in pan, hooked to the edge of the pan. Heat pan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a boil and continue to stir. Allow to boil until the temperature reaches 290 degrees. Remove the pan from the heat and add the flavor extract and the food coloring. Mix thoroughly. Spoon into the molds, making sure the sticks are covered. Allow to cool completely before removing from the molds. Hand out to all of the children! They will love them.

Usually makes about 12 medium sized star lollipops.

The previous recipe would work great for small gifts on any holiday. All you need to do is change the shape, the colors, and the flavors, then wrap them in plastic with ribbons. Children and adults love them and there is nothing better than a personally made gift.

Have a wonderful 4^th of July!