Rockin' rock candy - Make it! - Brief Article

Girls' Life, Dec, 2003 by Sara Fujimura

January is National Candy Month. Who knew? Rock somebody's world with some homemade candy. One word of caution: The sugar mixture can cause sever burns if spilled, so be careful. We're not kidding!

WHAT YOU NEED 1 cup water * 2 cups sugar (plus a little extra) * food coloring * candy flavoring (we like cinnamon, lemon or peppermint) * a tall, clean, glass jar (such as a mayonnaise jar) * clean cotton string * scissors * pencil * paper clip * paper plate

WHAT YOU DO 1) Tie one end of the string around the middle of a pencil. Measure string to slightly shorter than the jar's height. Tie a metal paper clip to the end of the string to weigh it down. Don't let the string touch the bottom of the jar. 2) Pour a small amount of sugar onto a paper plate. Lightly wet the string with water and roll it around in the sugar. 3) Pour a cup of water into a saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until boiling. 4) Slowly add 2 cups of sugar while stirring. Keep stirring until all sugar dissolves. 5) Remove saucepan from heat. Add 3 drops of food coloring. Add 3 drops of flavoring. Stir well. 6) Carefully, pour sugar mixture into jar. 7) With potholders, move the jar to a place where it will not be disturbed for several days. Do not place in the fridge--the glass might explode! 8) Wait, wait, wait. Rock crystals will begin to form on the string within days. Let them grow for at least two weeks. The longer you wait, the larger the crystals, 9) When ready, remove string from jar. Gently break pieces off the string ... and enjoy. Store leftovers in a covered container.

CAN'T WAIT? If you don't have weeks to spare for sugar crystals to form on string, you can order rock candy in bulk (5-pound bags) from candydirect.com.