🍠Kool-Aid Popping Candy đźŤ
What You’ll Need
2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
½ cup water
1 packet Kool-Aid (any flavor you love)
1 teaspoon citric acid (for that lip-smacking tang)
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup popping candy (like Pop Rocks, for a fizzy surprise)
1 package licorice sticks (choose your favorite color or flavor)
How to Make It
Set the Stage : Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out the licorice sticks in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch or overlap. Keep them ready for their sugary transformation.
Cook the Sugar Mixture : In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil.
Reach Hard Crack Stage : Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and monitor the temperature closely. Continue boiling without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage). This step requires patience—don’t rush it!
Add the Flavor and Fizz : Remove the pan from the heat and quickly whisk in the Kool-Aid powder, citric acid, and baking soda. The mixture will foam up dramatically—this is normal, so don’t panic. Work swiftly but carefully.
Coat the Licorice : Using a spoon or small ladle, drizzle the hot candy mixture generously over each licorice stick, ensuring even coverage. While the coating is still warm, sprinkle popping candy over the licorice for an extra burst of fun.
Cool and Set : Transfer the coated licorice back to the prepared baking sheet and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break apart any stuck pieces and enjoy your fizzy, crunchy creation.