Lollipops and Boiled Sweets

When I was very young, people used to make all kinds of home made candy at Christmas time.  Chocolate fudge and Divinity were the two most popular, but I remember hard boiled sweets too.  Usually they were flavoured with peppermint or cinnamon oil.  

I've been thinking about those old fashioned Christmas treats and decided to give it a go.  Boiled sweets are easy to make.  You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen cupboards.  

Click on this link to learn how to make your own old fashioned lollipops:
Lollipops and Boiled Sweets

I don't have lollipop moulds so I used a foil mince pie tins. Cut a slot in the side of the tin and insert a lollipop stick or wooden coffee stirring stick.  Then pour in the hot candy syrup.   Remove the pie tin once the candy has cooled.

Using a pair of kitchen scissors, I cut some of the candy into pillow shapes..

I rolled some of the candy into small balls.  A dusting of icing sugar will keep the candy pieces from sticking together.  Store the candies in airtight containers.  I like to use pretty little jam jars.

Wrap the lollipops in plastic wrap and tie with a ribbon.  Add a lollipop to the bow on a child's gift for a tasty and colourful decoration.  You could even hang them on the Christmas tree or make lollipop bouquets.  I used red food colouring but you can use any colour.   You can make candy to match your Christmas decorations.  They didn't do that when I was a kid!