Gumdrops are a perennial Easter basket favorite. These adult versions use exotic scents like ginger extract, orange blossom, lavender, and rose. Natural food coloring gives these bars a beautiful, soft pastel color, and sanded sugar makes them sparkle.
(Recipe adapted from Celebrating Candy.)
Special extracts are available at certain grocery stores, but can also be found online. All natural food colors, such as those made by India Tree, can also be found online.
Empty six packets of gelatin into a large pot.
To the pot, add 1 cup of cold water and allow the gelatin to soak for a few minutes.
Add 1-1/2 cups of boiling water.
Add 4 cups of sugar and mix to combine.
Turn the burner to medium high and bring the mixture to a boil. As it boils, the mixture will foam and bubble, so stir constantly.
After boiling for 20 minutes, pour into two round or square cake pans. Add 1/2 teaspoon of ginger, rose, lavender, or orange blossom extract, as well as 2 to 4 drops of food coloring. Stir well.
Once the color and flavor are incorporated, skim off the foam with a spoon. Cover and let sit in the fridge overnight.
Once the mixture is ready, sprinkle the top with sugar. Cut into strips with a sharp knife..
Dip strip in sugar to coat. This will make the adhesive strip easier to handle.
Cut the strips into squares and dip in sugar to cover the cut edges. Make sure all surfaces are covered in sugar.
Allow the squares to set uncovered at room temperature for 24-48 hours. Then store in an airtight container.
