Celebrate Your Sweetheart with Sour Strawberry Pop Rocks

Valentine's Day is fast approaching! Give your honey bunny a homemade sweet and sour treat this February 14th. Easy to make and even easier to devour, these strawberry pop rocks will have you feeling a little nostalgic and a lot in love. Try this Lauren Conrad recipe and celebrate your sweetheart the best way we know how...with sugar!

Homemade Sour Strawberry Pop Rocks

Ingredients/Tools:
½ cup cassava/tapioca syrup or honey
2 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup water
1 tsp baking soda
¼ cup citric acid
½ tsp strawberry extract (or any extract you prefer)
pink gel food coloring
candy thermometer*
hammer
*Having a working candy thermometer is key. If your temperature is off in any way, it could affect your end results! 

Instructions:
1. Combine the syrup, granulated sugar, and water in a pot set over medium heat. Whisk just to combine at first, and then do not whisk again.

2. Let the mixture boil until it reaches 300 degrees.

3. Meanwhile, spray a baking sheet with cooking oil. Set aside.

4. Immediately take the pot off the heat and add in the baking soda, citric acid, strawberry extract, and a couple drops of food coloring. Whisk until everything is combined. (Work quickly, the candy will set very fast!)

5. Pour the candy onto the baking sheet tap against your work surface so the candy spreads evenly across the baking sheet.

6. Set aside to harden, about 20-40 minutes.

7. Once the candy has hardened, smash into smaller pieces with a (clean) hammer.

8. Place those pieces into a plastic bag and place that bag in between a kitchen towel. (The kitchen towel helps to not get holes in the plastic bag). Hammer away at the kitchen towel wrapped bag until you have tiny little crushed pop rocks!

Crackle, fizz, maybe share a kiss with your beau and devour the details of homemade pop rocks for two this Valentine's Day. Enjoy!