Minty Icicles

Recipe by MaryJanesFarm-Home for the Holidays-Dec-Jan 2015

MarthaStewart.com

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1 Tbsp white distilled vinegar
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp peppermint extract

Instructions

  1. Butter a medium baking sheet (10” x 15”). Line a large baking sheet (13” x 18”) with wax paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, mix sugar, water, vinegar, and cream of tartar together. Over medium-high heat, bring to 290°F without stirring. 
  3. Remove from heat; mix in baking soda and peppermint extract. Pour onto buttered baking sheet. Cool slightly without disturbing until cool enough to handle (5-10 minutes). 
  4. With buttered hands, pull until white. Divide into 6 pieces. Working with one piece at a time, roll into 3/4”-thick ropes and cut into 1" pieces. Pull each piece into a flattened strip roughly 1/2” wide by 10” long. Fold in half lengthwise and twist together. Place on baking sheet lined with wax paper to dry and harden (about 30 minutes), straightening sticks if needed. 
  5. To store, arrange in single layers between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container.

Cook's Notes

Prep time: 1 1/4 hours, plus 35-40 minutes
Cook time: 15-18 minutes
Makes: About 11 oz.