Peppermint Hard Candy

Combine sugar, syrup, and water in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until hard crack stage is reached (see note). Add the oil and stir well. Pour onto a cookie sheet that has been heavily coated with powdered sugar. As soon as you can handle the peppermints start cutting with scissors into small irregular shapes. Flavor may be varied with any kind of oil. NOTE: You can test for hard crack stage with a thermometer or by immersing a teaspoonful of the candy mixture in very cold water for several seconds. It should harden almost immediately and break with a crack when removed from the water.