Why lollipops?

When I tell people I make handmade lollipops, their first reaction is usually, "Wow!" Their second reaction is usually, "How'd you get into that?"

It just kind of happened, really. Knowing that I love to cook and have a somewhat scientific mind, my sister-in-law gave me The Hungry Scientist Handbook. One of the first projects in it involved making lollipops and it sounded like fun. Was it ever! Watching the syrup boil, learning how to handle it, playing around with pretty food coloring and coming up with new ways to combine familiar flavors was very addicting.

I started bringing my lollipops to gatherings with friends, including a group getaway over New Years 2009. Soon I was totally hooked on making lollipops. All the positive reinforcement from my sugar-loving friends sure didn't hurt either :-)

Photo by Kevin Keeker