The 12 Days of Christmas ~ Day 5: Chilli & Gold Flecked Lollipops

So already we are onto Day 5 of my 12 Days of Christmas and rather than 5 gold rings I just couldn't resist posting these Chilli & Gold Flecked Lollipops! They make fabulous gifts as they look so pretty and taste amazing. Don't be alarmed by the chilli – the sugar calms it down so you are just left with a nice warmth rather than crazy, overpowering heat, but perhaps keep them for the adults and maybe don't give these as a gift to your dentist!

  

Since they fit the bill perfectly I also decided to double up and have these as my Sweet Heat entry for December. This month's spicy challenge is Christmas so these are just perfect. If you like spice you can always add more chilli but please try these – they are fantastic for a sweet little treat!

Makes roughly 8-10 lollipops (easily doubled)

125g sugar

60ml golden syrup or liquid glucose

60ml water

½ - 1 tsp dried red chilli flakes

Edible gold leaf or glitter (optional)

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (or 2 smaller ones) and have your lolly pop sticks ready.

Put the sugar, syrup (or glucose) and water into a pan and gently heat, swirling the pan from time to time (do not stir it!) until the sugar has dissolved. Once it's dissolved increase the heat slightly and bring to a boil. If there is any crystallised sugar on the side of the pan brush it down with water using a pastry brush. Continue to boil the mixture until it reaches 150C/300F on a sugar thermometer – this will take roughly 15 minutes.

To check that the sugar is ready dip a teaspoon into the mixture – just a little – then put it into a small bowl of water. Leave for a minute or 2 then feel it – it should be hard and brittle when you try and snap it. Once ready remove from the heat and add the chilli. Using a tablespoon carefully spoon rounds of the caramel onto the lined baking sheet until you have used up all of the caramel. Press a lolly pop stick into each lolly then sprinkle with some edible gold leave or glitter if using. Leave to cool completely then wrap in individual wrappers for the perfect sweet and spicy treat!

*Please be extremely careful when making these as the sugar is extremely hot and can really burn – trust me, I have an old scar to prove it!

For some other edible homemade gift ideas why not try my Pink Champagne Truffles for a decadent and beautiful present for someone special, or a bag of Chocolate and Caramel Popcorn.

Or for something savoury how about my Spiced Chilli Black Pepper matched up with some homemade Gourmet Salts and some fragrant Flavoured Oils. Personal and delicious – a perfect present!