Mint Twists

Directions

1. 1
   Combine sugar and water in a large saucepan; bring to a boil, and add butter. Cover and cook over high heat 5 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking until mixture reaches hard ball stage (260°). Remove from heat, and immediately pour syrup onto a buttered marble slab.
2. 2
   Sprinkle oil of peppermint and food coloring over surface of hot syrup; let rest 5 minutes. Begin scraping syrup with metal spatulas into a central mass. Continue scraping and folding until coloring is evenly distributed throughout syrup.
3. 3
   Pull mixture with fingertips, allowing a spread of about 18 inches between hands; fold mixture in half. Repeat this motion rhythmically until consistency of mixture changes from sticky to elastic and glistening.
4. 4
   Begin twisting while folding and pulling. Continue pulling until ridges on the twists begin to hold their shape. This takes 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the weather and your skill.
5. 5
   Shape mint mixture into a 1- inch-thick rope. Using kitchen shears, cut the rope into 1 1/2- inch segments. Twist, pull, and form each segment into desired shapes. Place mints on a wire rack to cool, and cover with a linen towel. Let mints sit overnight or until they become creamy. Wrap mints individually in aluminum foil or place in a sealed container to prevent drying.