Name: Mint Lollipops
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 hr
Yield: Makes 2 dozen candies
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 3 cups packed mint leaves (peppermint or spearmint); 2 cups sugar; 1 tablespoon light corn syrup; 1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint or spearmint extract; Equipment: a candy thermometer; 24 lollipop sticks; cellophane wrappers (optional)

Mint LollipopsRomulo Yanes

You could buy peppermint candy, but nothing comes close to the tingly, verdant flavor of real mint. These sweet lollipops make wonderful treats for both children and adults. The color is a very pale green, which can be enhanced with a drop or two of food coloring.

Cook's notes:

· To make raspberry lollipops, substitute 1 1/4 cups raspberries (6 ounces) for mint leaves, use only 2/3 cup water, and omit mint extract. · Lollipops keep, individually wrapped in cellophane, 2 weeks.

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