ORANGE GUMDROPS

Orange Gumdrops image

I get nothing but rave reviews when I make these gumdrops and usually have to prepare three batches. The refreshing orange flavor is a nice change from the usual chocolate holiday candies. -Becky Burch, Marceline, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 20m

Yield about 6 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon butter, softened, divided
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup water
1 package (1-3/4 ounces) powdered fruit pectin
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons orange extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
4 drops yellow food coloring
1 drop red food coloring
Additional sugar, optional

Steps:

Line the bottom and sides of a 9x5-in. loaf pan with foil. Grease the foil with 1 teaspoon butter; set aside. , Grease the bottom and sides of a large heavy saucepan with the remaining butter; add sugar and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil, about 9 minutes. Cook over medium-high heat until a candy thermometer reads 280° (soft-crack stage), stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, in another large saucepan, combine the water, pectin and baking soda (mixture will foam slightly). Cook and stir over high heat until mixture boils, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; set aside., When corn syrup mixture reaches 280° (soft-crack stage), remove from the heat. Return pectin mixture to medium-high heat; cook until mixture begins to simmer. Carefully and slowly ladle corn syrup mixture in a very thin stream into pectin mixture, stirring constantly. Cook and stir 1 minute longer., Remove from the heat; stir in the extract, zest and food coloring. Transfer to prepared pan. Let stand until firm, about 2 hours. Cut into squares. If desired, roll in additional sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 30 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 16mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.