Burnt-Sugar Lollipops -- Weight Watchers

This is a GREAT idea for Christmas lollipops for the kids. GREAT to include on cookie trays as well, and for those watching their weight, this is a sure WINNER to help satisfy your SWEET TOOTH! Burnt-sugar is an old-fashioned name for what happens when sugar melts and turns a deep caramel color. The good news is that you don't need fancy molds or equipment to make these gorgeous, thick lollipops. All it takes is a little patience and a steady hand. Wrap them individually in large, clear lollipop bags (available from candy-making outlets) and seal with a piece of ribbon. Look for cinnamon sticks in bulk (to use as sticks) from candy-store suppliers online, if you can't find them at one of your local candy stores! Makes 24 lollipops POINTS® value | 2 per serving

• Ready In: 1 hr 55 mins
• Yields: 24 lollipops

Ingredients

• 2  cups sugar
• 1⁄2 cup light corn syrup
• 1⁄4 cup water
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cream of tartar
•  cinnamon stick (24 4-inch long)

Directions

1. Line a large baking sheet with a silicon baking mat or parchment paper.
2. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, so that when the hot sugar hits the cool sheet it will firm up faster, and not spread out too far.
3. Stir the sugar, corn syrup, water and cream of tartar in a medium saucepan, over medium heat, until the sugar dissolves.
4. Raise the heat to med-high, and bring to a simmer, brushing down the pan's inside walls occasionally with a wet pastry brush (wet with a little bit of water) to remove any sugar crystals. Simmer 5 minutes.
5. Bring the mixture to a full boil, and cook undisturbed until very light amber, about 8 minutes.
6. Remove from the heat, and pour into a large Pyrex measuring cup with a pouring spout or into a second saucepan, preferably one with a pouring lip. Set aside just until the mixture stops boiling and thickens somewhat (it will continue to darken), about 2 minutes.
7. Remove the prepared baking sheet from the refrigerator.
8. Pour 24 (1 1/2") circles onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the circles about 1 inch apart.
9. Press the cinnamon sticks into each of these circles, forming handles for the lollipops.
10. Use a spoon to drizzle the remaining, very-hot sugar syrup over the top of each cinnamon stick that's stuck into the sugar, thereby sandwiching the stick in hardened sugar.
11. You will not use all the sugar. Some of it will harden in the bottom of the pan before you can pour it out.
12. Cool 20 minutes, then pull lollipops up off the baking sheet, breaking off any excess bits of hardened sugar that stick out.
13. Seal in individual, decorative bags.
14. Serving size 1 lollipop.