Vanilla Lollipops

Line 2 baking sheets with silicone baking mats. Set 5 to 6 lollipop sticks on each sheet, leaving plenty of space between them. Coat a large, heatproof spouted measuring cup with nonstick cooking spray.

In a small bowl, whisk together cream and vanilla bean paste. In a medium saucepan, stir together sugar, 1/2 cup water, corn syrup, salt, and cream of tartar. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan. Boil mixture until the temperature reaches about 295 degrees fahrenheit. Immediately remove from heat and let temperature continue to rise to 300 degree fahrenheit (this will happen fairly quickly). Carefully add cream mixture and whisk vigorously until smooth. Scrape syrup into prepared measuring cup.

Working quickly and carefully, pour a round puddle of syrup, about 3 inches in diameter, over the top third of each lollipop stick. Pour syrup into a steady stream, moving the cup around in a circular motion as necessary to form as neat a circle as possible (it will probably take you a couple of pops to get the hang of it).

Excerpted with permission from "Pure Vanilla: Irresistible Recipes and Essential Techniques" by Shauna Sever and published by Quirk Books.