I'm going to be preparing Skittles syrup from the candies as soon as my equipment arrives this week. I'll keep a log of my methods both to serve as material upon which I can improve, and for the community at large. Any suggestions are appreciated!
First, to outline what I'm doing:
1. Separate out 5 different flavors in mixing bowls
2. Add (#) of Skittles in (volume) of water in large or medium saucepan
3. Heat to boiling, stirring to completely dissolve Skittles. Allow to cool (how much?)
4. Add (volume) of mixture to separation funnel, leaving room for non-polar layer
5. Add (volume) of canola oil to mixture to serve as extraction layer, shaking into mixture
6. Place sep funnel on ring stand and let stand until layers form.
7. Drain aqueous layer to keep. Discard non-polar layer.
At this point, I will evaluate the mixture, probably putting it in the freezer for a few minutes, as the hydrogenated oils have a high melting point, and will solidify at low temps.
If I still see solids, I will try the above process again and reevaluate whether I want to add a physical filtering step. It shouldn't be necessary, though, as the oils should extract easily this way.
Thanks to those who gave previous suggestions! I decided to go with a pyrex sep funnel because I want to make large batches of this for friends and family. I could have MacGyvered a similar solution (Thanks Jen!) but I really wanted to be able to do this as quickly and accurately as possible and in quantity.
