1 1/2 cups water
6 cups sugar
3 6-inch lengths of string food coloring (optional)
candy flavoring (optional)
Bring the water to a boil in the saucepan.
Remove from heat and add 3 cups of sugar, stirring until dissolved. Slowly add the remaining sugar, reheating the water if necessary.
When all the sugar is dissolved, pour the mixture into 3 heat proof jars or glasses. Stir 3 drops of liquid food coloring and 1/2 a tsp. of candy flavoring into each jar. Tie each length of string around a pencil. Lay one string on top of each jar so the strings hand down into liquid. Crystals will begin to form in 1 hour, and continue to solidify for several days.
If a layer forms on the surface of the jar, break it. When liquid completely evaporates, candy is ready.