homemade Cinnamon Rock Candy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 3 3/4 cups sugar
• 1 1/4 cups light corn syrup
• 1 tsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp cinnamon oil (2 tsp if you like it spicy)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• Butter, for greasing the surface

Directions:

1. Butter a 15 inch x 10 inch x 1 inch sheet cake pan. Line the pan with parchment paper and butter the parchment paper, ensuring the edges are well buttered to prevent the candy from seeping underneath.
2. In a large deep saucepan, combine water, sugar, corn syrup, and food coloring. Mix over medium-high heat until the sugar starts to dissolve. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring it does not touch the bottom, for an accurate temperature reading. Continue to boil until the sugar mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), which takes about 20 minutes. Watch closely, and if the mixture starts to boil too close to the edge of the pan, remove it from heat and stir until bubbles subside before returning it to medium-high heat.
3. Once the mixture reaches 300°F, remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the cinnamon oil. Be cautious as the oil is strong, similar to onions, and keep the work area well ventilated. Pour the mixture immediately into the prepared pan. Allow it to cool for 4 hours.
4. After 4 hours, dust the top of the candy with powdered sugar. Flip the candy over onto a large cutting board or cookie sheet, and remove the parchment paper. Return the candy to the pan and use the tip of a sharp knife to break it into bite-size pieces. Dust with more powdered sugar and store in an airtight container.

Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Rock Candy!