Old-fashioned gumdrops
01.1.2012 
I'm not done with sweets just yet! Please bear with me while I work through my sugar addiction. Speaking of which, I am currently visiting my dad in North Carolina, who is perhaps the world's biggest sugar addict. One thing that always always always makes me think of my dad is old-fashioned pepperminty gumdrops. He loves them. I can always count on there being at least one big bag in his pantry. Or in his car. Or both.
So in between visiting and relaxing and catching up on sleep, I wanted to try making some homemade gumdrops for him! I heard MMmmmm-ing coming from the kitchen, so I believe my mission was a success. They taste very much like the real deal. I borrowed this recipe from Taste of Home magazine. It is easy, and only requires a few ingredients.
Happy 2012, by the way! Here's to many wonderful things in this new year for all of you!
In a small bowl, sprinkle 3 packets of unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup of water. Let it stand for 5 minutes.
In a small saucepan, combine:
3/4 cup water
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add the gelatin mixture to the saucepan and reduce heat. Simmer and stir for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract.
Divide the mixture between 2 small bowls. Add 6 drops of green food coloring to one bowl and 6 drops of red food coloring to the other. Pour into 2 greased 8x3.75-inch loaf pans. Chill for 3 hours, or until firm.
Loosen edges from the pan with a sharp knife and turn onto a sugared cutting board. Cut into 1-inch cubes and roll in sugar. Let stand at room temperature, uncovered, for 3 to 4 hours, turning every hour so all sides can dry. Cover and chill.
Feed to sugar-loving father. :)
Peppermint in Candy
Reader Comments (5)
These are so beautiful! Like little jewels of red and green, so much prettier (and I am sure tastier) than storebought! As far as I am concerned, keep the sweet recipes coming ;)! Hope you had a wonderful New Years!
Beautiful candies!
How creative! Def will have to try this!
Happy New Year!! Those are really pretty and very creative. I love gum drops.....yum!
i just had gumdrops for lunch the other day - i really wish they had been homemade ones like this!