Making Suckers

My girls have learned about the suckers we use to make and sale when I was a child.  My Mom has supplied them with a few to sale at school. Since she lives in Idaho it is hard to replenish their supply.  Last time I saw her, she gave me some molds, flavoring and the recipe so I could make them.  I grew up watching her make them.  My job was to insert the sticks, or put in bags and tape, I never made them.  With her recipe and instructions, I tried them yesterday.  I made Island Punch. 

 Here are the ingredients in the pan and ready to start cooking.

 The molds ready for the pouring.

 We are starting to boil.

 Almost done!

 The suckers poured in the molds.  They did a weird thing and made a lot of bubbles when I poured and made them overflow.  I think it was the pan spray I used, it was a cheap kind and from the first time I used it I didn't like it.  I have thrown it away and bought a better kind. 

You are suppost to insert the sticks in after you pour them all, but it seemed to set up fast and the begining ones were harder to insert.  I may need to have someone right behind me inserting the sticks.  They turned out good, not perfect.  I tried another batch today that were grape flavor.  I still had the problem with the sticks and they don't seem as smooth as they should be.  I guess practice makes perfect.  I am not going to be able to eat all of them so if you are my neighbor you may end up with some. :)