Description
Sweet and colorful homemade pink rock candy sticks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Pink food coloring
- 1 teaspoon flavor extract (optional, e.g., vanilla or cherry)
- Wooden skewers or sticks
- Clothespins or clips
- Glass jars or heat-safe cups
Instructions
- Prepare the Skewers: Dip the top half of each wooden skewer in water, then roll it in a bit of granulated sugar. Let them dry completely. This will give the sugar crystals something to cling to.
- Make the Sugar Solution: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of sugar with 1 cup of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until all the sugar dissolves and the solution is clear. Avoid boiling to prevent crystallization.
- Add Coloring and Flavor: Once dissolved, add a few drops of pink food coloring and your choice of flavor extract to the solution. Stir gently.
- Set Up Your Jars: Pour the colored sugar solution into glass jars, filling them about 3/4 full. Attach clothespins or clips to each skewer to suspend it in the liquid without touching the bottom or sides of the jar.
- Crystal Formation: Place the jars in a cool, undisturbed location with low humidity. Allow the crystals to form over the next 5 to 7 days. Check daily for progress.
- Remove and Dry: Once the crystals have grown to your desired size, remove the sticks from the jars. Let them dry completely on a rack or hang them to dry further.
Notes
- Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved in water to avoid unwanted crystallization.
- You’re free to experiment with different colors and flavors by using various food colorings and extracts.
- Make sure the solution is not disturbed while the crystals are forming to encourage even growth.
- For larger crystals, let them sit for a longer period, checking regularly to ensure they’re growing as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick