6pintmason jarsdouble the syrup recipe for 6 quart jars
12clothes pins
plastic wrap
Instructions
In a large saucepan, add in 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of water. Heat on medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
Slowly add more sugar into the saucepan until it no longer dissolves, this should be the 4 remaining cups of sugar.
If you’re adding candy flavoring, add it in now and let the syrup come up to a simmer.
As soon as the syrup begins to simmer, remove from the heat and let cool.
Add about ¼ to ½ cup of additional sugar to a plate or a flat surface that the sticks can easily roll in.
Dip the wooden sticks or skewers in water and roll in the additional sugar. Make sure the sticks are covered well with sugar.
Set the sticks aside to dry completely.
Using a funnel, pour the syrup into the mason jar. Fill it up to where the ridges begin at the neck of the mason jar. This will leave about an inch of space from the top of the jar and the syrup.
Add in a good amount of food color to the jar to color the sugar crystals. Stir to combine.
Using clothes pins, place one on either side of the dry wooden stick and lower the stick in the jar, leaving about an inch from the bottom of the mason jar. The wooden sticks will hold the stick in place.
Cut squares of plastic wrap that will cover the tops of the mason jars. Cut a small hole in the center of the square.
Gently place the plastic wrap on the mason jar, making sure the hole in the center of the plastic wrap is centered on the stick so the stick doesn’t move.
Let the jars sit for 5 to 7 days until you like the size of the crystals on the sticks. You’ll be able to watch the crystals grow
Remove the sticks of the mason jars and allow them to hang upside down in a clean jar or cup until the syrup is done dripping off from the sticks and they’ve dried, about 4 to 6 hours.
Notes
If you want all of your rock candy to be the same color, add the food coloring in with the flavoring. Be generous with the color to ensure a vibrant stick of rock candy.