Now I am a little worried that the last recipe required spun sugar and the instructions were a little flaky, so here is a little more help if you would like a go (or get your other half having a go) at spinning sugar.

 
Its a great way to decorate cakes & desserts and always impresses, but please remember to do it outside or put lots of newspaper down if you are doing it indoors, it does go everywhere & is extremely hot, so watch out for small children and pets. The first time Hubby tried this, with the assistance of Stephen they ended up covered in it, now though I must admit that Hubby is nearly as good as his look alike Mr Martin !!!
 
Use plain white refined sugar and remember that anything you use will need to be put in hot boiling water as soon as you have finished with it as it sets rock solid and is very hard to remove.
 
Place the sugar in a very clean, non-stick pan and place on the heat. Do not stir. When the sugar starts to turn into a caramel, tilt the pan to mix the sugar as it starts to turn so it blends together. When all the sugar is at a caramel colour and has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and place the base of the pan in a cold water to cool. (too hot and nothing will happen; to cold and the sugar will snap) Don’t allow any water in the pan. As the sugar cools, it will become thicker and resemble golden syrup. If it thickens to much, gently reheat.
 
Spirals – take a tablespoon of sugar and quickly twirl the sugar trail around a cook’s steel or wooden spoon handle. Snap off the tail of the sugar and carefully slide the spiral off, place on a baking tray to set.
 
Spun sugar – take a tablespoon of the sugar and spin it very quickly backwards and forwards over a cooks steel or a rolling pin. Quickly lift the sugar up and scoop into a bundle. Again place on a baking tray to set.
 
Basket – grease a small glass bowl or ladle with olive oil (don’t use vegetable oil as it is to thin). Take a tablespoon of sugar and criss-cross the mould with the sugar trail. Leave the sugar to set on the mould. When set carefully lift the basket off and fill with your chosen dessert, such as ice cream or sorbet.
 
Have fun!