Christmas Hard Candy

3-1/2 C sugar

1 C light corn syrup

1 c water

¼ T cinnamon or peppermint oil

1 t red or green food coloring

In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Cook on medium heat until candy thermometer reads 300 degrees (hard-crack stage), stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in oil and food coloring, keeping face away from mixture as odor is very strong. Immediately pour onto an oiled cookie sheet. Cool; break into pieces. Store in airtight containers. Yield: about 2 pounds.