Berry Lollipops

• Recipe by Grace Parisi

Lollipop sticks are sold at supermarkets and at baking supply shops. If unavailable, substitute wooden skewers; cut off the tips before using. You will need a candy thermometer to make this recipe.

Ingredients

1. Vegetable oil, for brushing
2. 1 cup sugar
3. 1/2 cup water
4. 1/3 cup light corn syrup
5. 1/4 cup cranraspberry concentrate
6. 4 drops red food coloring
7. Twenty-four 6-inch lollipop sticks

Directions

1. Brush 2 flat baking sheets with oil. Fill a pie plate with 1 inch of cold water.
2. In a small, heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, water and corn syrup and bring to a boil, stirring just until the sugar dissolves. Boil over high heat, without stirring, until the syrup reaches 280° on a candy thermometer, about 20 minutes. Add the cranraspberry concentrate and food coloring and cook over moderately high heat until the syrup reaches 300°. Briefly dip the saucepan in the cold water to stop the cooking.
3. Once the bubbling subsides, carefully spoon 6 scant tablespoons of syrup about 2 inches apart on 1 of the prepared baking sheets. Working quickly, place a stick in each of the lollipops, turning it to cover with syrup. Continue to form the lollipops, 6 at a time, until both baking sheets are full. If the syrup in the saucepan becomes too thick, melt it over low heat. Let the lollipops harden, then wrap in plastic.

Make Ahead

The wrapped lollipops can be stored flat in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for 1 month.

Notes

Variation

To make citrus lollipops, replace the cranraspberry concentrate and red food coloring with the juice and zest of 1 lemon or lime and 4 drops of green food coloring. Stir in the zest just before spooning out the lollipops.