Rock Candy - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups water
6 cups sugar, divided
food coloring (optional)
candy flavoring
3 lengths of string (6-inch)

Preparation

* Candy flavoring is carried by a lot of grocery stores, near the baking aisle with candy-making and cake decorating supplies.
Bring the water to a boil in the saucepan.
Remove from heat; add 3 cups of sugar, stirring until dissolved.
Slowly add the remaining sugar, reheating the water if necessary.
When all the sugar is dissolved, pour the mixture into 3 heat proof jars or glasses.
Stir 3 drops of liquid food coloring and 1/2 teaspooon candy flavoring into each jar.
Tie each length of string around a pencil.
Lay one string on top of each jar so the strings hang down into the liquid.
Crystals will begin to form in 1 hour, and continue to solidify for several days.
If a layer forms on the surface of the jar, break it.
When liquid completely evaporates, candy is ready.