Gumdrops

In a small bowl combine gelatin with 1/2 cup cold water and the juice from half an orange. Set aside and allow gelatin to soften for 5-10 minutes.

In a saucepan, combine 3/4 cups water with 2 cups sugar, and bring to a boil. Remove the peel from the orange half in large chunks, and add it to the syrup. Simmer 5 minutes.

Remove syrup from heat, and discard orange peel pieces. Add food coloring (about 3 drops each red and yellow) and extract. Add gelatin into the syrup and stir until completely dissolved.

Pour the mixture into an 8×8 or 11×7 pan that you’ve lined with greased foil. Allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator for several hours.

Sprinkle a cutting board generously with sugar, and turn out the chilled block on top of the sugar. Sprinkle more sugar over the top. Cut into small squares, or use cutters to cut out shapes. Place pieces in a dish filled with sugar, and toss to coat.

You can serve the gumdrops right away, but the texture and flavor will improve if you keep them in a dish of sugar in the fridge for 1-2 days. Use a colander to remove excess sugar before serving.

Inspired by the homemade gumdrops from Rock Ur Party.