Gumdrops

Gumdrops are a type of candy, in fact one of my favorite candies. Gumdrops come in many different colors and sizes. The brightly colored pectin based pieces shaped like a narrow dome. Gumdrops are often coated with granulated sugar. Gumdrops also come in a variety of flavors many times fruit and spice flavors. Spice flavored gumdrops are often known as spice drops.

National Gumdrop day is celebrated on February 15th of each year. Today, share a few gumdrops between you and your friends. I can recall sharing orange slices and spearmint leaves with my dad from time to time. Both of those candies are also forms of gumdrops.

During the late 1800's candy became widely available at the little shops. Before this time much of the candy was made at home. While candy is sweet it is only 6% of the added sugar in the average American diet while soft drinks and juice account for 46%.

Candy has often been a health scapegoat being blamed for everything from polio to tooth decay. Today there are those that are blaming it for obesity. .

6 envelopes
unflavored gelatin
1 cup cold water
1½ cups boiling water
4 cups sugar
¼ tsp flavored extract (lemon, orange, peppermint, etc)
food coloring
extra sugar for coating (1/2 cup)

In a large pot (yes, a large stew pot, you'll need it!), stir together the gelatin and cold water. Let sit 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, let the additional water come to a boil in a small saucepan or in the microwave.
Pour the boiling water over the gelatin mixture and stir until dissolved, about 1 minute.
Stir in the sugar.
Place the pot over a burner at medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer for about 25 minutes stirring constantly and scraping sides to avoid burning any sugar. The mixture will get quite thick.
Remove from heat and stir in the flavor extract of your choice. Next, add food coloring, or divide the mixture among bowls and add food coloring for multiple colors.
Pour gelatin into silicone mold
Refrigerate 8 hours.
Remove candy from molds. If you need to cut the candies, run your knife under hot water before each cut to avoid sticking. Roll in extra sugar to coat.
Place on a wax paper lined tray. Cover with a tea towel and let sit at room temperature for 48 hours to crystalize.
Notes
You will also need:
2-4 silicone candy molds


Note: Want sour candies? Instead of rolling the candies in plain sugar, add a tablespoon or two of citric acid.

recipe source here