Cinnamon Hard Candy

INGREDIENTS

• Butter for preparing the pan and parchment paper
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup purified water
• 1 tsp red food coloring water-based, optional
• 1 tsp cinnamon candy oil
• 1 cup powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Grease a 15”x10”x1” baking sheet (jelly roll pan) with butter. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and then butter the parchment paper also. In a large saucepan, add the sugar, corn syrup, water, and food coloring. Stir the mixture, cover, and heat over medium heat until boiling (stirring occasionally). Once boiling, uncover and let it boil for 3 minutes to dissolve sugar (stirring occasionally).
2. Insert a candy thermometer into the saucepan and cook on medium heat until the mixture gets to 300 degrees °F or the “hard crack” stage. Do not stir during this step until the very end. As the mixture approaches 300 degrees (this took about 20-25 minutes), remove it from the heat and give it a quick stir to prevent burning. Replace the mixture back onto the heat and watch it closely and carefully until it reaches 300 degrees.
3. Once the mixture reaches 300 degrees °F, immediately remove it from the heat and quickly add the cinnamon oil (do this in a well-ventilated area or open a window because the fragrance is very strong). Carefully pour the very hot mixture into the prepared pan. Let cool for 1.5 – 2.5 hours.
4. Sprinkle the top with powdered sugar and then flip it over and sprinkle the other side. Wrap the head of a hammer with a zippered bag and use a hammer to break the candy apart. Option to re-sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired or leave the edges exposed and clean.

Microwave Method (Ingredients and Directions Below)

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups sugar 
• 1 cup light corn syrup 
• a few drops of red food coloring (optional) 
• 1 dram bottle (1 tsp) cinnamon oil flavor 
• Powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.  Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray. 
2. In a four cup, microwave safe glass measuring cup, stir together corn syrup and sugar until well combined. 
3. Cover tightly with a piece of plastic wrap. Cook in microwave on high power for four minutes.  Mixture should be boiling.    
4. Carefully remove plastic wrap and DISCARD the wrap.  Use a CLEAN spoon to stir the mixture well. Cover with a NEW piece of plastic wrap and place back into the microwave for four minutes more on high power. 
5. Carefully remove from microwave and remove plastic wrap.  Working quickly, use ANOTHER CLEAN SPOON, and stir in a few drops of food coloring, if desired.  Stir in the entire bottle of cinnamon oil flavoring.  
6. Immediately pour onto a foil lined cookie sheet.  Allow to cool completely until candy has hardened. 
7. Break hardened candy into bite sized pieces.  Immediately dredge in powdered sugar. Store in air tight container on the counter.  Do not refrigerate!