Hibiscus welcome

Tonite was the welcome reception and dinner for the conference. Off to one side of the ballroom, they had two candy artists making lollipops. But these aren't like any you've seen!  Mine was a hibiscus flower!  Seriously pretty and sweet. :)

She started with a small ball of clear candy, about the consistency of taffy. They kept it hot until they were ready to work. She added food coloring and started the shape the flower by hand. While it was setting up, she repeated the process and made a leaf to add on.  When completely cooled, it is rock hard. Oh yeah, and gorgeous!

The gal told me that she spent years learning how to do this form of Japanese candy making. And they made all sorts of lollipops... Dolphins, snails, dogs, etc.