Christmas Hard Candy - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. light corn syrup
1 c. water
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cinnamon or peppermint oil *
1 tsp. red or green food coloring

Preparation

In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and water.
Cook on medium-high heat until candy thermometer reads 300\u00b0 (hard crack stage), stirring occasionally.
Remove from the heat; stir in oil and food coloring, keeping face away from mixture as odor is very strong.
Immediately pour onto an oiled cookie sheet.
Cool; break into pieces.
Store in airtight containers.
Yields about 2 pounds.