Gumdrops are a timeless Easter basket favorite. These elevated versions for adults feature exotic extracts like ginger, orange blossom, lavender, and rose. Natural food coloring delivers soft pastel hues, while sanded sugar adds a sparkling finish.
(Recipe adapted from Celebrating Candy.)
Special extracts are available at select grocery stores or online. All-natural food colors, like those from India Tree, are also easy to find online.
Empty six packets of gelatin into a large pot.
Add 1 cup of cold water to the pot and let the gelatin bloom for a few minutes.
Pour in 1-1/2 cups of boiling water.
Add 4 cups of sugar and stir to combine.
Heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly as it foams and bubbles.
After boiling for 20 minutes, divide into two round or square cake pans. Add 1/2 teaspoon of ginger, rose, lavender, or orange blossom extract to each, plus 2 to 4 drops of food coloring. Stir well.
Skim off foam with a spoon. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Sprinkle the top with sugar. Cut into strips with a sharp knife.
Dip strips in sugar for easier handling.
Cut strips into squares and dip all edges in sugar, ensuring full coverage.
Air-dry uncovered at room temperature for 24-48 hours. Store in an airtight container.
