Corbinator
Assistant Cook
Hi folks!
Trying my hand at making lollipops but I can't get past the candy base yet, never mind experimenting with flavors.Here is my problem with 3 attempts at cooking it (and keep in mind I have a brand new thermometer from the candy store):
1) I used too big a pot and didn't pay attention to my thermometer and burnt it, but the consistency for hard candy was great. I thought I might have cooked it on high too hard too fast.
2) My 2nd attempt I used a smaller pot and cooked the sugar and syrup at medium-high heat to boil and get it to 300F. It was still gooey and didn't harden.
3) My 3rd attempt I used my smallest pot and got to boil at medium-high heat, than turned it up to high until it hit 300F....same consistency as my 2nd attempt.
In looking back (especially with the first 2 attempts, I realize it is possible that my thermometer was not well covered in the mixture. I'm wondering with my small batch, if the thermometer is not being covered enough? Should I be using the 'drop some in the water' technique and compare it to the current thermometer temperature, or should I double my batch so my thermometer is well covered?
Trying my hand at making lollipops but I can't get past the candy base yet, never mind experimenting with flavors.Here is my problem with 3 attempts at cooking it (and keep in mind I have a brand new thermometer from the candy store):
1) I used too big a pot and didn't pay attention to my thermometer and burnt it, but the consistency for hard candy was great. I thought I might have cooked it on high too hard too fast.
2) My 2nd attempt I used a smaller pot and cooked the sugar and syrup at medium-high heat to boil and get it to 300F. It was still gooey and didn't harden.
3) My 3rd attempt I used my smallest pot and got to boil at medium-high heat, than turned it up to high until it hit 300F....same consistency as my 2nd attempt.
In looking back (especially with the first 2 attempts, I realize it is possible that my thermometer was not well covered in the mixture. I'm wondering with my small batch, if the thermometer is not being covered enough? Should I be using the 'drop some in the water' technique and compare it to the current thermometer temperature, or should I double my batch so my thermometer is well covered?