they didn't beat me.
I made the lollipops. I have been thinking about these for about 4 weeks now. Reading, checking books out of the library, going to find molds and flavorings. . .all that. There was a failed burnt to heck 1st batch, and this is batch #2—a success.
I am super happy with these molds. I wanted a thick lollipop with crisp edges—so they almost looked like tinted ice cubes. The plastic molds I found were too shallow and didn't have a hard edge. These were way more money, about $8 for 6 shapes or something (the plastic ones are only about $1) so I felt like a dork, but I am happy I stuck with my vision. Re-reading this, I am a tad embarrassed I am writing about my "vision" and how it relates to lollipops, but it's a blog.
Now they are tucked in glassine wraps tied with baker's twine. The pink ones are very lightly flavored blueberry (long story involving a 3 year old) and the green ones are sour apple. I hope to give these as little Valentine's Day treats and then have some extra for decorating cakes/cupcakes, which was the real reason I wanted to figure out how to make these. For this cupcake. Too cute. And I got a different thermometer, too. Mine had to be submerged way too far to get a reading—so far that I was afraid the syrup would boil over, so I took care of that. Now onto toffee. Why do I torture myself? I am still trying to get into old pants.
***update: Thank for the lollipop love! Here's some info:
Natural Dyes and flavorings: Nature's Flavors and Seelect have both flavors and colors. I got mine in town at either whole foods or wilds oats, I think, I have had them probably way too long.
The molds: I can't find the info! I know, lame. I threw out the packaging and I haven't found them online. I got mine at the Decorette shop here in town (Tigard location) Maybe we should call them? (only one of us should-ha!)
***update #2:
Ginger found the molds! Thank you!! They are here. They are called Sweet Creations Lollipop Molds. Probably available elsewhere, too.
Baker's Twine: From the Martha Crafts Line at Michael's. Hands down my favorite product of hers to date. I love this stuff so much, I think I have every color.
What's floating in there?: I placed some sprinkles in some of the molds before filling them. They turned out pretty cool. Mariko told me to try this, so I had to.
How adorable! I've only just gotten around to thinking that confectionery wasn't all made by elves/machines, so this makes me happy.
Posted by: Kirsty | January 29, 2008 at 02:47 PM
I like how your "vision" pertains to lollies...funny funny...old pants, yes that would be nice!
Posted by: jmbmommy | January 29, 2008 at 02:48 PM
How wonderful! They look too cute to eat!
Posted by: Marcia | January 29, 2008 at 02:52 PM
If you ever want to make a last-forever lolly (more like a lolli-puck really), I have had great luck using mini muffin tins as molds.
Posted by: KT | January 29, 2008 at 02:58 PM
I think the final result is worth any discomfort involved in staying true to your lollipop vision. I can relate. I simply love that cupcake with the lollie in the center.
Posted by: the farmers wife | January 29, 2008 at 03:01 PM
I think they're gorgeous and well worth the extra dollars for the better molds. Think how much more use you'll get out of them.
Posted by: Mallie | January 29, 2008 at 03:18 PM
These are really cute! Congrats on a successful 2nd batch!
Posted by: grace | January 29, 2008 at 03:21 PM
These are really cute! Congrats on a successful 2nd batch!
Posted by: grace | January 29, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Those'll be sweet and thoughtful gifts! Perseverance is a virtue! :)
Posted by: Saffron | January 29, 2008 at 03:27 PM
I have a very fond memory of when I was little and my mom made homemade lollipops. She had all kinds of molds. Her best molds were white and they were rubberish, not sure what the material was. They weren't clear like you have in your pictures.
What I would do for a lollipop...
Posted by: LauraJ | January 29, 2008 at 03:32 PM
I totally get having a "vision" for lollipops. I may not have had one for lollipops per se, but when I get a project in my head, look out. I love that the blog is a place where you can write about things like that and people who get it can read about it. Martha did something on making lollipops in a Feb. issue (I think) a while back with flavors like honey and cinnamon.
Posted by: Jill | January 29, 2008 at 03:40 PM
You crack me up. But what would moms do if we couldn't become engrossed in the small details of things like lollipops?
Posted by: Five Flowers/ Emily | January 29, 2008 at 03:43 PM
They look to pretty to eat!
Posted by: Dawn | January 29, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Toooo frickin' cool!
Posted by: Nicole | January 29, 2008 at 03:48 PM
i love making toffee! i refuse to buy it because i think homemade is so much better. good luck on it!
Posted by: cassandra | January 29, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Your lollipops came out great! And they do look much better than the 'pops in the cupcake picture.
Posted by: K. Fajardo | January 29, 2008 at 03:58 PM
I need to do this, I have a lollipop obsessed daughter and hate not controlling the ingredients. Considering everything I've made at home I'm embarresed to admit that lollis had never even crossed my mind as a home project. Thanks for the beautiful inspiration.
Posted by: hunnybunny | January 29, 2008 at 04:05 PM
These look so fabulous! Certainly worth the effort. What did you use to flavor the blueberry ones with?
Posted by: Christina | January 29, 2008 at 04:17 PM
They look beautiful.
Posted by: Ericka B Traven | January 29, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Those are beautiful!! Love the Martha cupcakes ... you'll have to post a photo of yours when you make them.
Posted by: Randi | January 29, 2008 at 04:37 PM
those turned out lovely! my hat is off to you for persevering through the first batch with making these (candy making has always scared me)!
Posted by: Casey | January 29, 2008 at 04:42 PM
those are the most beautiful lollies I've ever seen :-)
Posted by: Leslie | January 29, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Those are beautiful! Now I want to make some, and I don't even like lollipops. Very inspiring.
Posted by: Kristin | January 29, 2008 at 04:57 PM
WOW! These look so good. And those cupcake designs are one of my favorites...too sweet.
Posted by: sally | January 29, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Just get *rid* of the old pants, and make the new ones the old ones. Lollipops and toffee are waaaay more fun. Cupcakes, too.
Posted by: Michelle | January 29, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Love the long sticks, too. They give the pops a wand-like vibe. Kinda like the Queen of Hearts.
Posted by: Grammie | January 29, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Those look GREAT!
Toffee is not hard. I make it every year at Christmas. Just make sure you use that candy thermometer. You will need it.
Posted by: lera | January 29, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Wow. Just wow. My daughter would die for one of those!
Posted by: Alicia G. | January 29, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Hey! Just fyi, I nominated you for a You Make My Day award -- more on my blog!
Posted by: Melana | January 29, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Wow! I'm not a candy person, per se, but those are some very appealing lollipops. The thickness and color variation are beautiful- like stained glass and I love how the design is simple, but enticing. Very nice!
Posted by: Rachael | January 29, 2008 at 05:24 PM
These are so beautiful! And a great inspiration!
Posted by: Eddus | January 29, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Bravo!
They look delicious. I'm sure the recipents will be so happy to have homemade lollipops.
Take Care,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | January 29, 2008 at 05:52 PM
I love your lollipops. Toffee and lollipops always beat me so I have given up but you may have rekindled my desire.
Posted by: Cass | January 29, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Absolutely adorable! Love them!
Posted by: Angie | January 29, 2008 at 06:32 PM
Ha ha, I can relate to the pants comment as I'm 9 months post pardom. What a fun treat though!
Posted by: Carolyn | January 29, 2008 at 06:57 PM
oh my . . . they are so cute!! my girls would just love it if we made our very own lollipops!!
Posted by: emily | January 29, 2008 at 07:38 PM
I'm 37 and I've never made candy..not even fudge. I'm going to have to make these!
~Christine
p.s. to hell with the old pants!
Posted by: DuBuhDuDesigns | January 29, 2008 at 07:42 PM
love. love them. wish i could have a little nibble right now. your hard work was worth it!
Posted by: kirsten | January 29, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Yum yum yum - these look great! Candy making is so satisfying because the finished product always seems to have occurred magically. I've tackled marshmallows, jellies, and angel food but have yet to try lollipops... but I think that I will now that I've been inspired by your vision!
Posted by: Emily | January 29, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Those are some lovely lollies. Now you have to tell us where you got those molds! not that I'm going to make lollipops or anything. nope, not me. nuh-uh. I'm just wondering. Ya know, for all the *other* crazy people who want to make lovely lollies.
Posted by: theresa | January 29, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Will you share where the molds came from? And also, some of the pink ones look like they have little bits of confetti in them. What is that?
Posted by: Grace | January 29, 2008 at 09:49 PM
They look great! And I think the colors are just lovely.
Posted by: patricia | January 29, 2008 at 10:02 PM
I love the colors!
Posted by: alyssa | January 29, 2008 at 10:35 PM
I think you should share your new-found-lollypop-making-wisdom with us all! Do they have artificial colors/flavours? We are doing the additive free thing here and so the kids can't have chuppa chups!:( Too sad, I know.
Posted by: Amanda | January 30, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Wow they look amazing! I admire your tenacity to see them through to the end. I am guessing that you have not used artificial colours n flavours. They do look so cute on cupcakes. BTW, I think your blog is eye candy:)Beautiful images to cheer up rainy days in England!
Posted by: Mand | January 30, 2008 at 01:45 AM
Hi!
oh, I always loved lollipops and still do... these look so tasty!!!!
yummy!
Posted by: macati | January 30, 2008 at 01:50 AM
Wow - they look amazing. I love lollies, but they send my children loopy. What's gone into yours? They might be worth doing. They look so inspiring, such gentle colours.
Posted by: C | January 30, 2008 at 01:54 AM
They look so wonderful! I have never tried making lollipops, I'm not brave enough. :)
Posted by: Patricia Scarpin | January 30, 2008 at 03:17 AM
They look absolutely delicious!!
Posted by: Tracey | January 30, 2008 at 04:45 AM
Yes, do tell where the molds come from and what you use to flavor... These are so inspiring!
Posted by: a | January 30, 2008 at 05:26 AM
Lollipops! Why did I never think of making those myself! They are super cute and the perfect little gift!
Posted by: Fuck Up | January 30, 2008 at 05:42 AM
Lollipops! Why did I never think of making those myself! They are super cute and the perfect little gift!
Posted by: Fuck Up | January 30, 2008 at 05:42 AM
Gorgeous! You have inspired me to try again.
I shared a similar vision ages and ages ago and wound up with a sticky, sticky mess.
Posted by: irene | January 30, 2008 at 06:57 AM
wow, you are brave! I could never attempt candy I know it would be such a mess. Chocolate yes, I could handle that.
They came out great!
Ellen
Posted by: ellen Crimi-Trent | January 30, 2008 at 07:38 AM
I must try this! Those are the best. Do the small round ones have inclusions--what are they?
Posted by: Sleen | January 30, 2008 at 07:50 AM
Congrats!!! They look awesome!
Posted by: Cortney Young | January 30, 2008 at 07:50 AM
Perseverance pays off! Way to go!
Posted by: juliann | January 30, 2008 at 07:56 AM
ADORABLE..Why do you make me feel sooooo inadequate?????? :-)
Posted by: Amy Evans | January 30, 2008 at 08:18 AM
I am still trying to get into old pants, too, and you are not helping. I make toffee every Christmas too and it is pretty easy...but definitely needs to be baby-sat. Mmm, now I want some!
Posted by: brandy | January 30, 2008 at 08:20 AM
WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME. Dude, I am still back on the papercuts and the chair pad!!! Stop for a minute!
Got your message this morning and was cracking up. Answer is, I didn't even KNOW about it. Yeeeaaah. Sigh.
Posted by: Alicia P. | January 30, 2008 at 08:35 AM
They're beautiful! I would be too in awe to eat them :)
Posted by: Steph F. | January 30, 2008 at 09:25 AM
Your lollipops are lovely! I do like the hard edge like an ice cube. Last year I made lollipops and I used these little plastic things called "Pencil Pops" http://skiptomylou.wordpress.com/2007/01/19/lollipop-lollipop/ It makes it so your lollipop can fit on a pencil. I think these plastic things are clever. Now I am wondering if they could also be used on your cute molds instead of the plastic ones. I also loved how you used natural flavoring and dyes! Anyway I thought you might enjoy seeing the plastic things---my kids love them and they always seem to be a hit at school. It is something lasting after the lollipop is gone.
Posted by: Cindy | January 30, 2008 at 09:32 AM
These are darling! I get so much inspiration from your site. I'm even giving your book away at the Winter Bloggy Giveaways carnival. :)
Posted by: Gretchen | January 30, 2008 at 09:39 AM
I have made lollipops before and I found that cane sugar is best. My daughter took them to school and her chemistry teacher said. "You just made a chemistry reaction." So welcome to the real world of chemistry. Not that I am a chemist. I just never thought of it like that.
Posted by: Faye Sather | January 30, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Oh how cool! I have GOT to get into candy making. Yet another obsession I could add to my thousands. These are so pretty - I love how tall the sticks are compared to the size of the sucker. Did you use natural blueberry coloring? I wonder how they would taste with peppermint! I'm thinking these would be awesome stocking stuffers at Christmas.
Posted by: Moonbeam | January 30, 2008 at 10:19 AM
I have absolutely no free time, but now I so much want to make these too! Love them, and thanks for the info on where to buy the dyes/flavorings. As for pants to fit into.....I'm 6 months postpartum with baby #2 and I still just have to stare at everything hanging in my closet.
Posted by: Kathy | January 30, 2008 at 12:52 PM
What a great idea. I tried candy apples twice but I was defeated. I chipped off all the candy and made apple crisp. Waste not want not, (I'm dutch.
Posted by: Karen | January 30, 2008 at 01:28 PM
OK, here's where I'm a lunatic. I care not about the lollipops but rather the freaking BAKER'S TWINE. Yours seems thicker than normal. Am I right? Where do you get it from?
Posted by: mary | January 30, 2008 at 01:57 PM
They are beautiful - like little panes of stained glass. What are those little coloured pieces on the round, pink one there? Are they sprinkles inside the wrapper?
Posted by: Emma | January 30, 2008 at 02:10 PM
these are literally eye candy. I can relate, I get some idea in my head about making something, and I just gotta do it!!!
Posted by: PLO | January 30, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Yummy! I like the faint swirls.
Posted by: Sally McEntire | January 30, 2008 at 02:59 PM
I love the vision...it's so delightful to look at! A wonderful job well done.
Posted by: Alice | January 30, 2008 at 03:18 PM
I love your lollipops, you must be so pleased with how they've come out! The extra $$$s were worth it. Well done...
Posted by: karen | January 30, 2008 at 03:34 PM
*gasp*
i'm overwhelmed by whimsy
Posted by: Sarah | January 30, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Love, love, love these!!! Thanks for sharing - I just got off the phone from ordering what I need to make some, too! Way cool! My nieces will love them - and so will I
Posted by: Nan Slaughter | January 30, 2008 at 04:48 PM
The Mariko inspired sprinkled pops are fabulous! They look like Kandinsky candies...
Posted by: Sil | January 30, 2008 at 07:03 PM
they look divine!
my mom used to make us suckers all the time.....
maybe it's about time i learn for my kidlets :D
Posted by: rebecca | January 30, 2008 at 07:43 PM
They look delicious!! :D Droolin' over here!
Posted by: StacyT | January 30, 2008 at 09:36 PM
Lovely colors and lovely packaging!
Posted by: Muriel | January 31, 2008 at 12:03 AM
As always, you are hilarious. And I didn't even bat an eye when you spoke of your vision. Awesome.
Posted by: Mandy | January 31, 2008 at 05:01 AM
I love the Martha Stewart Bakers Twine but not the price for such a small amount.
I get mine from here http://www.wesellcoffee.com/page70.html. There are 4 colors available so I can match to any season.
M.
Posted by: Margo | January 31, 2008 at 06:17 AM
Oh! These look so yummy. And the crisp edges really make them special. Way to stick with your vision! And thanks for overcoming that dorky feeling so you could share it. hee
Posted by: amigurumigirl | January 31, 2008 at 07:26 AM
Three cheers for the Lollipop Vision - they're so cute!
Posted by: Dyan | January 31, 2008 at 09:02 AM
Seriously awesome. This is not something I would EVER have wanted to make until you made them so pretty. Now I'm going to start obsessing.
Posted by: Liesl | January 31, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Lovely lollipops. So beautiful. I'm almost inspired to try my own hand at making them.
Posted by: Oliver Rain | January 31, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Beautiful and look delicious! Great job fulfilling your vision!
Posted by: Mellissa - wondermommy | January 31, 2008 at 09:52 AM
whoa! these are so adorable! i want to make some now. with edible sparklies. edible fairy wands! (okay, i'm getting carried away here)
Posted by: Rachelle Nicolette | January 31, 2008 at 01:16 PM
I've been making toffee recently too. I think it must be essential for the first batch or so to go horribly wrong, mine certainly did.
I've had to postpone my toffee making adventures. Not because of my trouser size, but because of the strange link between lovely toffee and insomnia.
The lollipops look lovely, maybe they wouldn't be as bad.
Posted by: Celeste | January 31, 2008 at 03:00 PM
You have received a you make my day award! Because you do!
Posted by: KT | January 31, 2008 at 03:47 PM
De-lurking... if you want lots of baker's twine, try this: even if I'll have enough left over to wrap my coffin in oh, let's say 55 years, it's a great deal:
http://packandseal.com/TwineCottonBakery.html
Monika
Posted by: Monika | January 31, 2008 at 06:36 PM
Can't you get free lollipops at the bank? And speaking from experience, you can get burned badly by sugar. Don't do this with your kids!
Posted by: Mamatron | January 31, 2008 at 07:08 PM
oh wow, you did an excellent job!! I really love them, they turned out Awesome!
Posted by: Crystal | January 31, 2008 at 07:17 PM
you are amazing and your lollipops are too!
Posted by: lyckoskatt | February 01, 2008 at 12:49 AM
Those lollipops really are so cute! Love the green and pink together too - lovely pics :)
Posted by: Helen | February 01, 2008 at 06:08 AM
This looks like so much fun to make. You did a great job!
Posted by: Shannon | February 01, 2008 at 07:42 AM
Ok, I have to say that you are the coolest person I have ever "met"...I LOVE your blog and all your creations! I am in LOVE with the cupcake - and the lollipops - and the bloomers - and the list goes on....so I know I sound like a weird stalker, but Oh-Well! LOL! Love it, keep all these great ideas coming because I need my daily fix!! PS: do you think I could make a "sugar-free" lollipop??? I have a special little man in my life with a special condition = NO sugar!
Posted by: Heather B. | February 01, 2008 at 08:39 AM
they are awsome!! you're my idol!! ^_^
Posted by: joanna | February 04, 2008 at 01:22 AM
Wow
The Lollypos looks very good - delicious!!
Greetings
Martina
Posted by: Tine | February 04, 2008 at 07:18 AM
They looks absolutely adorable! A friend of mine prepared some lollies for her daughter's birthday and added a gummi bear to each - a big hit with the kids ;)
Posted by: Nicky | February 05, 2008 at 02:28 AM
Hi there, I just wanted you to know that you can get a whole cone of that bakers twine for 9.50. with shipping it comes to 16.00. At least that is how much it cost to ship to my house. :)I like martha but sometimes she charges way too much for things that have been around for ages, like bakers twine. I found mines on ebay and it is found here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-4PLY-RED-WHITE-BAKERS-CAKEBOX-TWINE-2lb-CONE_W0QQitemZ310006078146QQihZ021QQcategoryZ25358QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem
Posted by: Mona | February 09, 2008 at 02:58 AM
waw you're a real food wizzard ! I want to make this to!!
Posted by: danielle | February 09, 2008 at 08:57 AM
waw you're a real food wizzard ! I want to make this to!!
Posted by: danielle | February 09, 2008 at 08:58 AM
About Baker's Twine...
Check out this site.
www.raffit.com
Prices are much better than Martha at Michael's.
It is a fun site with wonderful, pretty, must have twines, ribbons, etc.
Posted by: Sally | March 03, 2008 at 10:03 PM