National Gumdrop Day

Photo Credit: wikipedia.org

Let's bring back the fame and fortune of the wonderful delicious gumdrop on National Gumdrop Day!

While there isn't a whole lot of information about gumdrops, their invention has been attributed to a man named Percy Trusdale, who supposedly invented them in 1801.

National Gumdrop Day is one of those "national" holidays that no one but the ones that invented it really know how it started.

It is said that it probably was started by a candy manufacturer, and that sounds about right :) .... another way to sell more candy.

While gumdrops have become an almost forgotten candy since the invention of gummy bears and the like.. the gelatin/pectin based candy domes (they look like candy thimbles)... are, in my opinion, far more delicious and edible than any old gummy bear any day!

In fact, gumdrops are some of my favorite candies. YUM!

And... anyway.. before gummy bears or any of those "other" gummy candies were ever even thought of.. gumdrops existed and flourished!

And ... anyone who has ever played Candyland must absolutely know what a gumdrop is and the charm, and, indeed, beauty of them!

When you eat them they are just gummy enough, just sugary enough, and give you a burst of flavor when you bite them.

What is not to love???

So... HAPPY GUMDROP DAY to one and all!!!

Giant Gumdrops Jellies: 5LBS

Recipe and Photo Credit: videogameinspiredfood.blogspot.com

This is one recipe (pics of steps to follow)

Fallout Gum Drops

This has been taken word for word from the following blog post:

"Love gumdrops? "

"How about some radioactive gum drops?"

"Na, I'm just joking with you."

" Now that I have tested this great gumdrop recipe, I will never have to buy them again."

" You can make different flavors of gum drops by using different fruit juice and food coloring."

" Use your imagination and be creative!"

Ingredients:

3/4 cup green tea

1 (1.75-ounce) box powdered fruit pectin

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 ts. mint extract

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

2 drops green food coloring

Granulated sugar, for finishing

Use mini muffin pan.

Spray with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, add the green tea, fruit pectin, mint extract and baking soda.

Bring just to a boil (the mixture will foam up vigorously), then reduce heat to low (do not let the mixture boil again), and keep on the low heat.

In a medium-size saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar and corn syrup, stirring constantly, and bring to a boil.

Once the mixture comes to a boil, stop stirring, and let it boil until it reaches 280 degrees F. (soft-crack stake) on your candy or cooking thermometer.

Carefully and slowly pour the hot sugar/corn syrup mixture into the green tea mixture, stirring constantly.

When the two mixtures are combined, remove from heat and add the food coloring(s) (if using).

Let the mixture stand for 2 minutes. Pour the candy mixture into the prepared pan.

Let sit at room temperature, uncovered, for at least 12-24 hours.

Use a butter butter knife to remove the gum drops from pan.

Add sugar to a zip lock bag.

Add gum drops to bag and shake to cover with sugar.

Store in a air tight container. Makes about 20-24.

I haven't tested this out yet, but If you want the gum drops more firm then double the sugar and corn syrup.

videogameinspiredfood.blogspot.com

Photo Credit: videogameinspiredfood.blogspot.com

Photo Credit: videogameinspiredfood.blogspot.com

Photo and Recipe Credit: hatscookingamerica.net

(This is the word for word recipe taken from the "What's Cooking America" site....

Homemade Lemon Gum Drops

Yields: 50 gum drops

Prep time: 30 min

Ingredients:

3/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice

1 (1 3/4-ounce) box powdered fruit pectin

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1 drop yellow food coloring (optional)

Granulated sugar, for finishing

Preparation:

Line a 9-inch x 5-inch loaf baking pan with aluminum foil. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, add the orange juice, fruit pectin, and baking soda.

Bring just to a boil (the mixture will foam up vigorously), then reduce heat to low (do not let the mixture boil again), and keep on the low heat.

In a medium-size saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar and corn syrup, stirring constantly, and bring to a boil.

Once the mixture comes to a boil, stop stirring, and let it boil until it reaches 280 degrees F. (soft-crack stake) on your candy or cooking thermometer.

NOTE: If you don't have a cooking thermometer, you can test the candy by dropping a small amount of the candy mixture into cold water.

The candy is ready when it separates into hard threads that are not brittle.

Carefully and slowly pour the hot sugar/corn syrup mixture into the the hot juice mixture, stirring constantly (this will take a couple of minutes).

When the two mixtures are combined, remove from heat and add the food colorings (if using).

Let the mixture stand for 2 minutes, then skim off any foam (if there is any) from the surface.

Pour the candy mixture into the prepared pan.

Let sit at room temperature, uncovered, for at least 12 hours or overnight.

Lift aluminum foil from the pan and remove foil from the sides.

Cut the gumdrops into 3/4-inch squares with a knife dipped into sugar.

Roll gumdrop squares in sugar. NOTE: They will be sticky.

I ended up having to roll them in my hands and then in the sugar.

Let stand uncovered at room temperature for 1 hour.

If desired, roll in additional sugar.

NOTE: As they still were a little sticky, I placed them in the refrigerator.

Store gumdrops in an airtight container.

Makes about 50 gumdrops.

Variation Ideas:

Apple Gum Drops: Substitute apple juice and use red or green food coloring.

Orange Gum Drops: Substitute fresh-squeezed orange juice and use 4 drops yellow food coloring and 1 drop red food coloring.

Grape Gum Drops: Substitute grape juice and use 2 drops blue food coloring and 2 drops red food coloring.

Pink Grapefruit Gum Drops: Substitute pink grapefruit juice.

whatscookingamerica.net/

Photo Credit: whatscookingamerica.net/

Check out this GREAT lens with a yummy recipe for making gumdrops!!!

squidoo.com/homemade-gumdrops