4th of July Gumdrops
These colorful homemade gumdrops are a festive treat perfect for 4th of July celebrations, easily customizable in flavors and colors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fruit juice (like cherry, blueberry, or lemon) Choose your favorite flavors.
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup gelatin (flavored or unflavored)
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon citric acid (optional) For a tangy flavor.
- Cornstarch (for dusting)
- Food coloring (red, white, blue) For a patriotic theme.
- Cooking spray or oil For greasing the baking dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
Mixing
- In a medium saucepan, mix the fruit juice, corn syrup, and half of the sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Gradually add the gelatin over the mixture, stirring continuously until completely dissolved.
- Add the remaining sugar and citric acid (if using), continuing to heat until the mixture thickens.
Coloring
- Divide the mixture into three bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl, blue to another, and leave the last one white.
Setting
- Pour each colored mixture into separate sections of the prepared baking dish. Let it cool at room temperature until set, about 4-6 hours.
Cutting and Dusting
- Dust a cutting board with cornstarch. Remove the gumdrops from the baking dish and cut them into desired shapes. Toss each piece in cornstarch to prevent sticking.
Notes
Consider using cookie cutters for star or heart shapes for a festive touch. You can also use colored sugar for an eye-catching finish.