How to Make Hard Rock Candy

Typically, candy is made by dissolving sugar in water or milk to make syrup. The syrup is boiled until it caramelizes. The length of time the syrup is boiled makes a difference in the type of candy that is created. As a general rule, the higher the temperature and the greater the amount of sugar, the harder the candy will be. Lower temperatures produce softer candies.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups white sugar
• ¾ cup light corn syrup
• ½ tsp. peppermint extract
• 1/8 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2-qt. saucepan
• Thermometer
• Cookie sheet

Instructions

1. Combine sugar, 1 cup water and corn syrup into a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, stirring frequently.

2. Increase the heat to bring it to a boil. Boil until the temperature reaches 300 degrees (about 20 minutes). Do not stir. Times vary greatly, depending on the stove and the material of the saucepan being used. It is imperative that you use a thermometer.

3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add peppermint extract. Stir just enough to mix the extract with the other ingredients.

4. Pour onto a greased cookie sheet, and dust the top with confectioners' sugar (this helps the candy not be sticky and also helps with the cooling process). Let the candy cool (about 45 minutes), and break it into pieces.

5. Store in an airtight container.