Sweet and Spicy Scorpion Lollipops

1.Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and placing the lollipop sticks (6) evenly spaced on the sheet.

2.In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar (1 cup), light corn syrup (½ cup), and water (¼ cup). Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.

3.Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.

4.When the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), remove it from the heat immediately.

5.Stir in the chili powder (½ teaspoon), cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon), salt (¼ teaspoon), and vanilla extract (½ teaspoon) until well combined.

6.Working quickly, pour a small amount of the hot sugar mixture over the top of each lollipop stick, forming a circle about 2 inches in diameter.

7.Place an edible scorpion in the center of each lollipop, pressing it gently into the hot sugar mixture.

8.Pour a little more of the sugar mixture over the scorpion to encase it completely.

9.Allow the lollipops to cool and harden completely at room temperature, about 30 minutes.

10.Once the lollipops are set, carefully peel them off the parchment paper and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.