Estimated time to make this valentine:
Two 45-minute sessions.

Appropriate age group(s):
Elementary School
Middle School

Materials:
saucepan, + cup water, 2 cups sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
food thermometer
red food coloring
cherry/cinnamon oil
spray-on oil
heart shaped candy molds
candy sticks
cellophane
ribbon

Instructions:
First session:

1. Prepare heart shaped candy molds in advance by spraying with oil.
2. Place lollipop sticks next to molds.
3. Combine sugar, corn syrup and water in saucepan at high heat.
4. Stir mixture constantly until the temperature reaches 290 degrees.
5. Remove pan from heat.
6. Let mixture sit until all bubbles are gone.
7. Add 2-3 drops of flavored oil (don? go heavy handed, it will taste bad).
8. Add red food coloring to desired color (start slow, you can always add more color to it).
9. Remember not to over stir as the candy will turn sugary in texture.
10. Fill mold.
11. Insert lollipop sticks into the stick groove on the mold.
12. Cool.
13. Store in air-tight container.

Second session:

1. Cut cellophane to a size that fits around the lollipop.
2. Wrap with ribbon.

Other comments or suggestions to consider:
Why not add a little note to your lollipop (i.e. love you!, sweetie! be mine!) Cut strips of paper (think Chinese fortune cookie size) and hole punch written notes. Lace through ribbon before tying.