To make this recipe at home, you will need a pair of wire cutters and an old inexpensive whisk. Trim the round ends off the whisk, ensuring that the tines are evenly spaced. Create an open space for making the cotton candy by laying a slit garbage bag on the floor. Place 2 long wooden spoons under a heavy object so that they extend beyond the edge of the counter.
In a 2-quart saucepan with a heavy bottom, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat and insert a candy thermometer. Continue cooking until the sugar mixture reaches 320 degrees F, which is called the hard crack stage (the sugar becomes brittle when it comes in contact with a cooler surface). Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully transfer the mixture into a medium-sized microwaveable glass bowl. It is important to avoid leaving the sugar in the pan as it will continue to cook and darken. Using a glass bowl will help maintain the temperature of the sugar. To prevent the bowl from tipping over and protect your hands from the heat, place a towel underneath. If the sugar starts to thicken before you finish working with it, microwave the bowl for 3 to 5 minutes until the sugar becomes liquid again. If desired, add any food coloring or flavoring at this stage.
Dip the tines of the whisk into the hot sugar and allow it to drain for 1 to 2 seconds until the sugar strands have a consistent