• 2 cups sugar

• 1/3 cup light corn syrup

• 1/3 cup water

• 2 tsp. vinegar

• 1 tsp. flavoring (peppermint, raspberry, etc.)

• Food coloring

Combine and cook to hard crack stage (300 degrees F) or until a few drops of syrup dropped into cold water separate into threads that are hard but not brittle. Stir in flavoring and possible food coloring at this point.

Now you will have to work quickly, so it is best if you have a plan in mind as to what you want to create.

On a greased baking sheet, pour large spoonfuls of the candy so as to form circles or free forms or designs. Molds can also be made beforehand from aluminum foil and greased. If you have not added food coloring previously, a drop or two can be swirled into the candy with a toothpick on the cookie sheet. Also small pieces of hard candies can be added before the candy hardens. While the candy is soft, place one end of a string into the top of the candy for hanging purposes. Make sure you've cut your lengths of string ahead of time. (Of course, these could also be made into lollys by using a stick instead of a string.)

When the candy has cooled completely and is firm, slide off cookie sheets. Small ones can hang from the tree. Large ones make lovely window hanging decorations. They also look well attached to hanging light fixtures. And, of course, they're edible!