BY EDWARD ARRIOLA AND TASHA GROSS FAMILY & MWR SPECIAL EVENTS
The holiday season is rapidly approaching. That means spending more time with the loved ones in your life. If you’re like us and need to broaden your culinary skills, MWR has your back. Tasha and I (Eddie) worked together on some easy recipes to try. I wanted to learn how to bake, so Tasha took me under her wing to teach me something new. She loves to bake and provided the recipes. In this issue, we focus on three simple and fun desserts that are sure to spark the creative side of even the most novice cooks. Each one can be attempted with your children, with a friend, or even by yourself. So start those ovens and let’s get cooking. Halloween Treats for all The spooky month of Halloween is always a fan favorite for children and adults who have never grown up. When I think of Halloween I picture houses decorated with ghosts, spiders, and all things unappealing. As children we would go door to door braving the night just for a chance to get those delicious delectable treasures. Now you can start a new Halloween tradition with homemade Lollipops! I’ve been an avid candy lover for years but never thought to make some myself. It was a simple process and they were fun to make and decorate. Have each person decorate their own for a contest. Of course the child in me had to make a giant version. What can I say I’m a sucker for a giant sucker! Lollipops-
2 C Sugar 2/3 C Light Corn Syrup 1/4 C water 2 tsp Flavoring extract (of your choice) Sprinkles Lollipop sticks Candy thermometer Ice Yields about 10 (2-3 inch) lollipops
Steps:
1- Fill a bowl with ice and water large enough to fit the pot used to melt the candy 2- Combine the sugar, corn syrup and water in the pot and attach the candy thermometer so the thermometer is below the liquid surface but not touching the bottom of the pan. 3- Heat on Medium and constantly stir until the sugar is fully dissolved page 10
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4- Bring to a boil until the mixture reaches 310 degrees (also known as the hard crack stage of candy making) 5- Remove pot from stove and dip/ swirl the pan in the ice water for about 15 secs 6- Add flavoring. If the mixture starts to harden it can be reheated on the stove before pouring. 7- Pour the mixture into mold or small circles on parchment paper and quickly press the lollipop sticks and any sprinkles into them. (We used a spoon to press the sprinkles into the lollipop mixture) 8- Wait about 10 mins for the mixture to cool and harden. The larger and thicker the mold, the longer the cooling time will be. Clean up tip- After using all the candy mixture fill the pot half way with water and boil. The residual candy mixture will break away from the sides and form a lump that can be removed for easier clean up. www.bliss.armymwr.com
