Anise Hard Candy

Old-fashioned licorice-flavored hard candies, rolled in powdered sugar.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup boiling water
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon food coloring
1/2 teaspoon anise oil, or 1 1/2 teaspoons anise extract
Powdered sugar (optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. Line bottom and sides a 9-inch square baking pan with lightly buttered aluminum foil. Set aside.
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, boiling water and cream of tartar in a medium-heavy saucepan. Cook until candy thermometer reaches 300°F (150°C) or until mixture separates into brittle threads
3. Remove from heat; add food coloring and anise oil. Pour into prepared pan. Score into squares when partially hardened, or when hard break into pieces. Roll in powdered sugar, if desired.

Makes about 1 pound candy.