Steps in Sucker Making

So for some reason, I decided it would be really fun to make suckers with my kids for their Valentine's gifts this year. So, after rounding up all the supplies, we got to work. Here are the steps involved for anyone interested:

Step 1: Begin preparing pans. Realize that the sticks you bought are too long, resulting in you having to cut off 1/3" of each stick. Spray molds with Pam. Kids look cute.

Step 2: Combine ingredients and begin boiling. Watch the candy thermometer closely and stir often while keeping kids from touching.

Step 3: Realize you've scorched this boiling confection while taking pictures for your blog. Try to figure out what to do with boiling material that will soon harden once taken off heat so you don't end up with a big sucker at the bottom of your pan.




Step 4: Attempt to "dilute" the sugary liquid down the drain. Realize that this is stupid because even though you're using hot water, it's still cooler than the sucker mixture and makes it harden quickly. Realize that your whisk is stuck in a spiky mass of hard candy. Get butter knife and begin chipping away at candy. Once only the bottom remains, allow pan to soak in some hot water to dissolve sugary stuff.

Step 5: Begin again, this time watching candy thermometer like a hawk. Take off heat, add flavoring and coloring. Sustain small 2nd degree burn on finger while pouring into molds.

Step 6: Admire handiwork. Think that maybe next year, you'll just buy a package of heart-shaped suckers for $3 at Target.

So there you have it, sarcasm and all. :)