Mini Tootsie Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 2 1/2 tablespoons shortening
• 4 teaspoons cocoa
• 2 tablespoons evaporated skim milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. 1

   Combine sugar, corn syrup, shortening, and cocoa in a medium saucepan over medium/high heat.

2. 2

   Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, and simmer candy until temperature comes to 275 degrees on a candy thermometer.

3. 3

   Remove pan from heat.

4. 4

   When bubbling stops, add condensed milk and beat in pan with electric mixer for about 30 seconds.

5. 5

   Add vanilla, then continue to beat candy until it begins to firm up and you can no longer beat it.

6. 6

   Pour candy out onto wax paper.

7. 7

   When cool, divide candy into several portions and roll into long ropes that are approximately 1/2 inch thick.

8. 8

   Use a sharp knife to slice candy into 1 1/8-inch-long portions.

9. 9

   Arrange the candy on a plate and let it sit out overnight so that it firms up.