Skull Lollipops for Halloween

Looking for a yummy treat this Halloween?  How about these Jolly Rancher Skull Lollipops?

What you will need:

• Skull mold – I used last years Skull and Bones Ice Tray (I will show you below how to modify it)
• Jolly Rancher candy – grape flavor
• Small saucepan
• Lollipop sticks
• Scissors
• Metal spoon
• Lollipop bags
• Airtight container
• Jug of hot water

To make:

Gather everything you will need to make your lollipops within arms reach.

Begin by placing lollipop sticks into your skull lollipop candy mold, however if you are being thrifty like I am and using an ice mold from last year follow these next instructions.  Using sharp scissors carefully cut a slit in the base of the skull to about 5mm from the bottom.   Place the lollipop stick into the slit, mine sat snugly inside the bone compartment which held it in place, as you can see in the image above.  It may appear that the slit is open enough to allow the melted candy to leak out, if it’s too wide prop a couple of books either side to push it together, however don’t worry too much, the candy sets fairly quickly.

Unwrap the Jolly Rancher candy and place it in the bottom of the saucepan.  I prefer to do just one layer as it all melts at about the same rate.  Turn the heat onto low and keep watch as the candy begins to melt, don’t walk away otherwise it may burn.  Once the candy has begun to melt gently stir it around with the spoon.  It will take a few minutes to melt entirely and turn into liquid.  As soon as this happens remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully pour the melted candy into the skull compartments.

You will find that the melted candy remnants in the saucepan and on the spoon go hard very quickly.  Pour the hot water into the saucepan and return to the stove on high.  You will want to wear an oven mitt at this point as it gets pretty hot and you don’t want to risk splashing hot water on yourself.  As the water heats up the candy will begin to melt and the water will turn a little purple.  Continue stirring until all of the candy has dissolved in the saucepan and on the spoon.

Leave the skull lollipops in the mold on the counter until cool (approximately 15-20 minutes).  Move the tray to the freezer for about 10 minutes.

Once you remove the tray from the freezer run the back of it under hot water for a few seconds then carefully peel the mold away from the lollipops.   Immediately place the lollipop into a bag and tie it up.  Place in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry location until you are ready to hand them out, or enjoy them yourself.