How to Make a Tootsie Roll

* 1 cup sugar

* 1/2 cup light corn syrup

* 1/4 cup water

* 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

* 1/4 teaspoon salt

* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

1.) In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, cocoa powder, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and darkened slightly.

2.) Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam up, so be careful not to let it overflow.

3.) Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and let it cool completely.

4.) Once the mixture has cooled, cut it into 1-inch pieces and roll each piece into a ball.

5.) Wrap each ball in wax paper or parchment paper and store in an airtight container.

Tips

* To make chocolate Tootsie Rolls, add 1/2 cup of melted chocolate chips to the mixture before cutting it into pieces.

* To make peanut butter Tootsie Rolls, add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the mixture before cutting it into pieces.

* Tootsie Rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.