Ingredients:
– 3 cups granulated sugar for coating
– 2 cups fruit juice (grape, orange, or apple)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar for the gumdrop mixture
– Optional: Food coloring
Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine your choice of fruit juice with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir in 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt until everything is completely dissolved.
2. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin over the juice mixture and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes. This blooming process helps the gelatin dissolve more effectively.
3. Set the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture becomes warm and the gelatin is fully dissolved. Ensure you do not allow it to boil.
4. Once the mixture is smooth, carefully pour it into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or silicone molds for fun shapes.
5. Transfer the dish to the refrigerator and let it chill for 4-6 hours, or until the gumdrops are firm and set.
6. After the gumdrops have set, gently remove them from the dish. You can either cut them into small squares or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
7. In a shallow dish, pour the 3 cups of granulated sugar. Roll each gumdrop in the sugar until fully coated, then shake off any excess sugar.
8. Store your homemade gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh for weeks if you can resist eating them!
Time: Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Chilling time: 4-6 hours