2 c. sugar
2/3 c. light corn syrup
1 c. water
1/2 tsp. oil of peppermint or cinnamon
1/2 tsp. red or green food coloring

Combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Stir until sugar dissolves. Cook without stirring to hard crack stage, 300 degrees, on the candy thermometer. Add flavoring and coloring. Cool slightly.

Place 24 wood skewers 4 inches apart on a heavily greased cookie sheet. Pour candy from a spoon over the skewers to the desired size, 2 inches - 4 inches.

Immediately decorate by pressing small candies into soft lollipops before they harden, or, after they cool, brush with corn syrup and decorate. Any small candy can be used such as red hot cinnamon drops, chocolate sprinkles, and colored sprinkles.

Two lollipop colors can be used to make designs, faces, scenes, or swirl colors a different effect. They are great Christmas gifts fun to make and receive.