I'm in the process of making the candy jewels (lollipops too) and am wonder how you get the perfectly clear ones. Mine has a yellowish tint to it. It's no problem with the colored ones but I'd like to do clear ones. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hard candy made with regular sugar (sucrose) looks yellow if no color is added to it. Use Isomalt instead of sugar. No corn syrup needed, just boil with water and it comes out beautifully clear. Isomalt is expensive, but worth it if clarity is important.

www.sugarcraft.com has it. www.shopcountrykitchen is getting it in soon, at a really good price. Isomalt is used for pulled sugar and other fancy sugar creations. It is supposed to not get tacky like hard candy.

I read on here somewhere that the color violet cancels yellow. So couldn't you add a drop or two and see if that works?

Ive heard if you melt sugar free lollies they are very clear and not yellow sounds easier than do it from scratch

If you add some sort of an acid (lemon juice, cream of tartar) to it, it will keep the color from turning less yellow. BUT, don't add too much, because too much acid will make your jewels not rock hard like regular sugar would.

-Kristy

What kind of saucepan is used with making the candy? I have read a copper pot.. .but is that a MUST or a suggestion?? I dont own one... also... I read that desiccant (silicon gel like in the shoe boxes) is necessary to keep the jewels "dry" in high humid areas.

I just purchased the isomalt at www.country kitchen sweet sa.com

Annnnnnd get ready for a mess. And bubbles on the face of your jewels. I found if you stir them a bit while super hot, scraping down into the mold, the bubble will dissipate. Somewhat. At least you won't have huge craters on the face of the jewel. Really....melting down candies is pretty easy. Find some clear ones, and if you are wanting bright colors, get some jolly ranchers.

Some sort of dessicant is essential in pretty much any mid to high humidity area.
Limestone and silica gel are the most common, and not much is needed at all. If using limestone, be sure to check it regularly, as it will start to expand when it needs to be changed in order to keep absorbing moisture.

-Kristy