Join me as we unwrap the lollies, memories, and moments woven around them. Let’s delve into the history, the unique blend of flavors, and why, even in an age of endless confectionary innovations, drumstick lollies remain a cherished favorite.
What Is Drumstick Lollies?
Drumstick lollies are a popular British candy made by Swizzels Matlow. They’re chewy, raspberry- and milk-flavoured lollipops with a distinctive creamy-fruity taste.
Ingredients:
For The candy base:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
For The flavoring:
- Raspberry extract (to taste)
- Pink or red food coloring (optional)
- Additional:
- Lollipop sticks
- Non-stick cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
- Silicone lollipop molds or a silicone mat.
Instructions:
Preparation: Grease your lollipop molds or a silicone mat with non-stick cooking spray or oil. If you’re using molds, insert the lollipop sticks into them. If you’re using a silicone mat, place the sticks on the mat, spaced apart, ready for when the candy mixture is poured.
Making The Candy Base:
- Combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water in a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Using a wet pastry brush, you can wash down any sugar crystals from the sides of the pan.
- A candy thermometer monitors the temperature when the mixture reaches around 260°F (126°C), which is the hard ball stage. Carefully warm the heavy cream in a separate pan over low heat.
Adding The Cream And Butter:
- When the sugar mixture reaches 300°F (149°C), known as the hard crack stage, remove it from the heat and carefully add the warm heavy cream and butter. The mixture will bubble up furiously, so be cautious.
- Stir the cream and butter into the sugar mixture and return the pan to low heat, stirring until any hardened syrup is dissolved.
- Adding flavor and color: Remove the mixture from the heat and add the vanilla and raspberry extracts. Mix well. If you want to achieve a pink hue like traditional drumstick lollies, add a few drops of pink or red food coloring and stir until you get a uniform color.
- Pouring the candy: Working quickly but carefully, spoon or pour the hot candy mixture into the prepared molds or onto the silicone mat around the top of your lollipop sticks. Make sure each lollipop has enough mixture to form a proper lolly.
- Setting the lollies: Allow the lollies to cool and harden completely at room temperature. Depending on their size, this will take at least 30 minutes and possibly longer.
- Storage: Once set, you can remove the lollies from the molds or mat. If they feel sticky, you can give them a light dusting with powdered sugar. Store them in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tips:
- Safety First: Making candy involves extremely hot temperatures, so exercise caution. Long sleeves and protective gloves can help shield you from splatters.
- Consistent Heat: Use a candy thermometer for accuracy. Knowing the exact temperature is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
- Flavor Intensity: Start with a small amount of raspberry extract and add more to taste. Extracts can be potent, and it’s easier to add more than to correct the flavor if it’s too strong.
- Coloring: Remember that a little color goes a long way; you can always add more if needed.
- Easy Removal: If your lollies stick to the mold, try freezing them for a few minutes. This can make it easier to remove them without breakage.
- Creative Variations: Feel free to experiment with other flavors and color combinations to make your drumstick lollies unique.
What To Serve With
- Dessert Platters: Serve Drumstick lollies as part of a dessert platter. Combine them with fruit slices (like strawberries, apples, oranges), miniature pastries, cookies, and other candies for a visually appealing and varied sweet spread. The variety in textures and flavors makes the platter interesting and attractive to guests with different tastes.
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Invent an interactive ice cream sundae bar where Drumstick lollies can be used as a mix-in (chopped) and a garnish. Offer a variety of ice cream flavors, along with sauces (chocolate syrup, caramel), whipped cream, and a selection of toppings such as crushed nuts, sprinkles, and mini marshmallows. This setup allows guests to enjoy the lollies in a new way and encourages creativity in building their dessert.
- Cocktails and Mocktails: For an adult twist, serve Drumstick lollies with cocktails or mocktails that complement their fruity and creamy flavors. A raspberry or vanilla-flavored drink could highlight the candy’s primary notes by serving the drink with a lolly as a stirrer or incorporating homemade syrup from the lollies into the drink. This combination can be a playful addition to social gatherings and parties.
- Coffee and Hot Beverage Bar: A coffee and hot beverage station, where guests can choose from hot chocolate, coffee, and different teas, can be enriched by adding Drumstick lollies. Similar to how a piece of dark chocolate can enhance the flavor of coffee, a Drumstick lolly can add a sweet, creamy note to hot drinks, either as a stirrer until it melts or as a side treat.
- Cupcake and Cake Decorations: Use Drumstick lollies as decorations on cakes and cupcakes for a whimsical touch. They add decoration, texture, and flavor, Either whole or crushed. This is particularly effective for parties or celebrations with a retro or candy land theme.
- Homemade Parfaits: Layer parfaits with yogurt, granola, fresh fruit, and chunks of Drumstick lollies for a delightful dessert or even a decadent breakfast. The candy adds a fun twist to the parfait, making it especially appealing to kids and adults.
- Gift Baskets and Party Favors: Include Drumstick lollies in gift baskets or as part of party favors. When grouped with other items such as homemade cookies, small toys, or thematic goods, the lollies add a colorful and tasty element that can fit any celebration theme.
Final Thoughts
Drumstick lollies stand as a testament to the sweet, simple pleasures of yesteryears—a candy that has delighted generations with its chewy texture and unique flavor. While Drumstick lollies offer an energy boost and a momentary mood uplift due to their sugar content, they should not be considered a go-to snack for nutritional benefits.
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Drumstick Lollies
Ingredients
For The candy base:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
For The flavoring:
- Raspberry extract (to taste)
- Pink or red food coloring (optional)
- Additional:
- Lollipop sticks
- Non-stick cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
- Silicone lollipop molds or a silicone mat.
Instructions
Preparation: Grease your lollipop molds or a silicone mat with non-stick cooking spray or oil. If you're using molds, insert the lollipop sticks into them. If you're using a silicone mat, place the sticks on the mat, spaced apart, ready for when the candy mixture is poured.
Making The Candy Base:
- Combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water in a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Using a wet pastry brush, you can wash down any sugar crystals from the sides of the pan.
- A candy thermometer monitors the temperature when the mixture reaches around 260°F (126°C), which is the hard ball stage. Carefully warm the heavy cream in a separate pan over low heat.
Adding The Cream And Butter:
- When the sugar mixture reaches 300°F (149°C), known as the hard crack stage, remove it from the heat and carefully add the warm heavy cream and butter. The mixture will bubble up furiously, so be cautious.
- Stir the cream and butter into the sugar mixture and return the pan to low heat, stirring until any hardened syrup is dissolved.
- Adding flavor and color: Remove the mixture from the heat and add the vanilla and raspberry extracts. Mix well. If you want to achieve a pink hue like traditional drumstick lollies, add a few drops of pink or red food coloring and stir until you get a uniform color.
- Pouring the candy: Working quickly but carefully, spoon or pour the hot candy mixture into the prepared molds or onto the silicone mat around the top of your lollipop sticks. Make sure each lollipop has enough mixture to form a proper lolly.
- Setting the lollies: Allow the lollies to cool and harden completely at room temperature. Depending on their size, this will take at least 30 minutes and possibly longer.
- Storage: Once set, you can remove the lollies from the molds or mat. If they feel sticky, you can give them a light dusting with powdered sugar. Store them in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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