Chocolate Chocolate and More!

Welcome to my baking adventures.

Homemade Gumdrops

Homemade Gumdrops-fresher than anything you can buy. Makes a great food gift, adjust the flavors and colors for any occasion

Homemade Gumdrops-fresher than anything you can buy. Makes a great food gift, adjust the flavors and colors for any occasion

I can’t believe it’s another week gone by. Where is the time going all of the sudden?

I think someone has pushed the fast forward button on my life when I just want to hit the pause, just for a few minutes.

It was a crazy week, what with Online Blogcon, then the kids had me running every which way. Weekends are normally family time, relaxed, sometimes we don’t even leave the house. Not this weekend.

Hubby decided we needed to have a date night Friday night. Don’t get me wrong, I love date night. Just the two of us, out for dinner, or a movie, or shopping, nothing over the top, but it’s just us. Hubby wanted to go to Joe’s Stone Crab. No idea why that got in his head but oh yeah baby, I’m all about eating some crab. Joe’s Stone Crab is 89 miles from our house, no biggie, we’ll leave about 5 pm get there around 6:30 pm. perfect time for dinner.

Here’s how my weekend went. Get up early on Friday. I have to bake 15 dozen cookies (3 different recipes,) 36 muffins, my Coffeehouse Coffee Cake Muffins, all for a big bake sale Grace is doing Saturday morning. Oven is preheating at 8 am. Butter’s softening in the mixing bowl. As I’m making that first double batch of cookies I realize I’m going to run out of sugar before the day is done. Mom to the rescue, she’s happy to run to the store for me. Chocolate Chip-Pecan Cookies all baked and cooling on racks on the table. Lemon Sugar Cookies dough made, first batch baking in the oven. Go to make Dark Chocolate Tiger Cookies, CRAP! This dough needs to refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours. I don’t have 6 hours, we’re leaving to go to dinner at 5 pm. Make dough, throw it in the freezer. Continue baking the Lemon cookies. Get ready to make the muffins. CRAP! I’m out of sour cream! Finish baking lemon cookies, change my shirt (no I haven’t had a shower yet,) hop in the truck and run to the store for sour cream. Back home in 15 minutes flat. No I didn’t break any speed records, the store is only 5 minutes away. Make up muffins, bake, bake, bake.

All the while washing dishes as I go. I can’t stand dirty dishes in the sink. On the last tray of muffins, I hop in the shower, timer on the bathroom counter so I make sure they don’t burn.

Back out to kitchen, towel on my head. Grab the chocolate dough out of the freezer, still a bit soft in the middle but I can work with it. It’s now 2 pm. After each tray is placed in the oven, I’m putting the dough back in the freezer. Cassie walks in the door at 3:07, I bribe her (with money) to package up and add ribbon for all the cookies, while I try and get pictures done for these gumdrops (which I made the day before) and also take new photos of all the above cookies and muffins. Last tray of cookies out of the oven at 4:10 pm.

Decide I’d better try and get a jump on the laundry (very smart idea considering how my weekend went) Load one in washer. Hubby and I leave the driveway for dinner at 5:30 pm (not my fault, honest!) Traffic to Atlanta is HORRIBLE! We honestly thought traffic going into Atlanta wouldn’t be too bad, silly us. By 7 pm, we’re both talking about just pulling into the nearest McDonald’s and grabbing some fries. You never saw me say I had lunch, did you? All I’d had to eat (besides the few samples of cookies dough) were 1 cookie and a few pieces of cheese. I was STARVING! Joe’s was worth it though. Back home at 11 pm.

That was just Friday. Saturday, we spent all day doing a bake sale at an Antique Car Auction. Leave the house at 9 am and don’t return until 4:30 pm. Let me tell you, the first few hours of the car auction were really cool, I’d never been to an auction before, those auctioneers can talk FAST! And some of the cars…I really need to win the lottery, there was one Thunderbird that was just calling to me. It was Grace and her BFF, doing the bake sale to raise money for their DC trip in February. The girls were great but they’re in the 5th grade. After 4 hours, they’re getting tired of behaving and looking cute. Now they’re antsy and looking bored. It was worth it, they did really well and they’ve been invited back to the next auction.

Get home, hubby knows if he wants to eat something other than PB &J he’d better handle it. Out to the local pizza place for dinner we go. Try to catch up on a few things on the computer, FB, Blog and just talking with the hubby while watching tv together. Bed by 11 pm. Oh, I did some more laundry too.

Sunday morning. We have to go back to Atlanta, this time the north side, for the Blogcon meet up. I’ll tell you more about that on Saturday. If we’re going to Atlanta, I want to go to IKEA. I’ve never been and I’ve heard so much about it. Hubby’s accommodating. Yes, he’s a good man and drove me. I can’t stand big city driving. Remember, we have 4 traffic lights in our town and that’s it. Leave the driveway at 9:30 am, surprise,  NO TRAFFIC! We get there with an hour before the meet up. Not much is open so we just walk into Marshalls. Marshalls, if you read this, make our store in Warner Robins as nice as the one in Alpharetta, Georgia. I found a new cake stand and the cutest little red colander. Sever other treasures but I held myself in check, I still have IKEA in my future.

Homemade Gumdrops-fresher than anything you can buy. Makes a great food gift, adjust the flavors and colors for any occasion

Wonderful lunch with 3 lovely ladies, time for IKEA. Having never been there, I had no idea how HUGE that store really is. I knew it was a warehouse but it’s a warehouse the size of a football stadium! We walk in the store at 3 pm and believe it or not, we’re out by 4:30 pm. Power shopping! Honestly, I was so overwhelmed, I didn’t do the store justice. The prices were fantastic, I did get a few nick-knacks and the coolest bar to hold my coffee cups under the kitchen cabinets. I’ll be going back there, next time, it will be the only reason we go to Atlanta. IKEA, I heart you.

Call kids on the way back home. Grace was still at a friends house till after dinner, CJ and Cassie are fine, CJ has church group at 6 pm so it’ll just be 3 of us for dinner.  Hubby decides on more take out instead of the leftovers in the fridge. I’m ok with that. Sometimes weekends like this happen. I still have to finish up laundry, pick CJ up at 8 pm, get Grace back home, write up this post. Oh….and finish up the laundry.

WOW! Just reading back over this post is making me worn out again. Glad our weekends aren’t always so packed. Do other families run crazy like this?

Homemade Gumdrops-fresher than anything you can buy. Makes a great food gift, adjust the flavors and colors for any occasion

 The kids loved these homemade gumdrops. They’re softer than a gumdrop you’d buy in the store, the flavor is whatever flavor Jello you choose. Loved the Cherry, Lemon and Lime, the BerryBlue was ok. Cassie suggested next time making some sour ones, so be on the look out for Sour Gumdrops in the future.

Connect with Chocolate Chocolate and More!

Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Pinterest | instagram

Homemade Gumdrops

Homemade Gumdrops

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup apple juice
  • 1 package Jell-o Gelatin, 4 serving size-color of your choice
  • 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • extra sugar for rolling

Instructions

  1. Coat a Loaf pan with cooking spray. You can also use an 8x8 pan, gumdrops will be thinner. Place pan in refrigerator until ready to use.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan, let sit for 1 minute. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly Once you reach a steady boil, continue to boil for 1 full minute. Pour into chilled pan and return to refrigerator for 3-4 hours.
  3. Once gelatin is set, run knife around edges to loosen. Using a spatula, remove gumdrop slab to wax paper and cut into desired shapes using a sharp knife. If knife starts to get sticky, run under hot water. Transfer cut gumdrops to a tray lined with fresh wax paper to dry at room temperature for at least 10 hours, preferably overnight. I placed my tray in the cold oven to dry. Roll gumdrops in granulated sugar and store in airtight container.

Notes

recipe source ChocolateChocolateandmore.com


Adapted from Taste of Home

I also made some shaped gumdrops using a silicone ice mold I found at the Dollar Store

Homemade Gumdrops-fresher than anything you can buy. Makes a great food gift, adjust the flavors and colors for any occasion

 Need a vegetarian version? Tickling Palates has you covered! And she made them Chocolate!

Looking for other ways to play with Jello?

Jello popcorn

Jello Popcorn,

Jello Sugar Cookies

Jello Sugar Cookies

Jell-o Swirled Cupcakes with Jello Buttercream

Jello Swirled Cupcakes

Don’t Miss a Post! Get Updates By Email:

Get all of these delicious recipes delivered directly to your inbox.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Radhika says

    October 29, 2012 at 1:37 pm

    Thanks for the shout Joan. I have been meaning to make some with gelatin but kep postponing it. You have given me a purpose now with these colorful ones.

  6. Sarah says

    October 29, 2012 at 4:44 pm

    My grandma would make gumdrops every Christmas for my brother and I. I might just have to make them this year and keep the tradition going 🙂

  7. Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says

    October 29, 2012 at 3:59 pm

    These look so pretty Joan!! And the perfect end to a hectic weekend, methinks 🙂

  9. Jocelyn says

    October 30, 2012 at 1:26 am

    Wow! That is a weekend! I’m tired just reading all about it. I am so glad you got to go to IKEA…I heart that place so much!!! although I can’t believe you were only there for an hour and a half??? We can never go and be out in that short amount of time!!! Probably good I don’t live that close to one:-) Homemade gum drops sound awesome…my kids would love them!!!

  10. Meghan @ The Tasty Fork says

    October 30, 2012 at 1:44 pm

    Holy Cow! You’re one busy lady. Did you remember to sleep?? My nephew LOOOVES gum drops. I’ll make these for him. I’m sure I’ll continue to be his favorite Aunt. (I’m the only Aunt he has, so I guess that helps. 😛 )

  11. Kalamity Kelli says

    October 30, 2012 at 3:56 pm

    I just love making my own grumdrops! yours are gorgeous. I got the ingredients for mine and will make them either this weekend or next – they go in something very special! you are just the greatest photographer – those looks fantastic! My mom loves the orange ones I made because they taste like those old fashioned Orange Slices she used to eat as a girl.

    • Joan Hayes says

      October 30, 2012 at 4:06 pm

      I’ll have to try orange then! I used to love those orange slices but never the green ones, they always made those taste like mint. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got going on!

  14. Erin says

    October 31, 2012 at 2:27 am

    These look fantastic. I’m exhausted just reading about your weekend! Yikes. Hope your week is much better (and calmer!) =o)

  16. Anonymous says

    October 31, 2012 at 8:21 am

    I just made these! They are in the drying phase right now. What fun they were to make! I have made red (cherry) and green (lime) ones- I have been testing candies lately to go in holiday baskets. Can’t wait to try them. Thanks for sharing such a great idea 🙂

  25. Anonymous says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:39 pm

    My grandmother made something similar at Christmas. Instead of using flavored gelatin, she must have used the unflavored because hers were cinnamon, spearmint and I think peppermint. She must have used oils to add the flavor. I could hardly wait to see her on Christmas because I knew these would be waiting. What a great treat it was as we only got them at Christmas.

    • Joan Hayes says

      November 5, 2012 at 9:10 pm

      Debi, unless Jello comes out with a new flavor Jello you’d have to substitute the box of Jello with another package of gelatin, probably 1/4 cup sugar and some flavoring, oh and some food coloring. I’ll play with it and let let you know. I love the idea of cinnamon gumdrops!

  27. Andrea C. says

    November 5, 2012 at 6:47 pm

    Hi! I stumbled upon this via Jell-o’s Facebook page, and they look just beautiful! I make huge gift baskets of treats every Christmas for about thirty people, and have been searching for something new and different for this year. With so many treats to make (I do the thirty or so gift baskets for family plus a ton of other treats) simplicity is really important! These will definitely be incorporated this year! I do however have a few that I need to make sugar free or reduced sugar for. My question is: would these work the same (and set up properly) if I used sugar free Jell-o and granulated splenda? Thank you for posting such a lovely, simple and timeless treat!

    • Joan Hayes says

      November 5, 2012 at 9:13 pm

      Wow, I’d love to be on your Christmas list! The sugar free Jello will work fine, as for the Splenda, I’ve never used it. If it preforms just like regular sugar, you’re all set. If it seems too sweet, you can “thin it” with a bit (maybe a teaspoon per 1/4 cup sugar) of flour, make sure it’s well mixed, sifting together would be best.

  29. Michelle's Tasty Creations says

    November 6, 2012 at 10:27 pm

    Joan,
    These are amazing! I love the vibrant colors and this is a fun recipe that I can make with my kids. Great gift for the holidays too. Thanks so much for linking up to Creative Thursday. Can’t wait to see what you share this week! Have a wonderful week.
    Michelle

  32. Beth N says

    November 9, 2012 at 5:11 pm

    I made these for my church craft fair where we sell cookies and candy by the pound. I used an 8×8 pan of cherry and it was about 3/8 inch thick. After a couple hours, I made a second batch of lime and poured it on top so they are reasonably thick and bicolor! They are drying in the over as we speak. Just a couple notes, I found that the whole thing kind of peeled out of the pan onto my cutting board. Course then it stuck to the cutting board so I peeled it onto waxed paper to cut. After that it was pretty easy! Thanks for the recipe.

  33. Beverley says

    November 12, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    Joan you rock my boat with this recipe….I love sweeties and these are just perfect for me to make some for gifts and to keep all for myself. Thank you xoxo

  34. Kalimae says

    December 17, 2012 at 8:10 pm

    I’ve got my first 2 batches in the refrigerator now! WOW, can’t wait to try them! Question, can you double the batch? I’ve got a big box of Jello in the cabinet and just wondered if it would hurt to double the recipe. Thanks for this recipe! Can’t wait to share it during Christmas!

    Hugs
    Amy

  35. Cheryl Lance says

    December 19, 2012 at 2:42 am

    I have been looking for a gumdrop recipe to try this year and found the Taste of Home one, but am so glad to find your recipe. It looks fun and will make it for Christmas. This is the year to make candy, no more cookies!!!

    Thanks,
    Cheryl

  36. Laura G says

    January 7, 2013 at 1:13 am

    Do you think that you could pour the gumdrop mixture into silicone molds, like heart shaped ice cube trays? I have some and I think it would be cute to have heart gumdrops for Valentines, but I don’t know if they would turn out.

    • Joan Hayes says

      January 7, 2013 at 2:31 am

      Yes Laura, you can. Lightly spray the molds with a cooking spray. I made some adorable heart shapes. It can get a little messy pouring the liquid into the molds but definitely worth it.

    • Joan Hayes says

      January 11, 2013 at 3:42 am

      These are softer than a traditional gumdrop, thing a really fresh gumdrop. I did find after about a week, they started to get a but chewier but not tough at all. Hope this helps.

  39. Joan Ross says

    November 17, 2013 at 11:38 am

    Hi there ,
    I followed your recipe for the gumdrops . They were easy to make but…. not storing well . I rolled them in sugar and put them in an airtight container like you used . The next day the sugar was dissolving and gumdrops were sticking together . Still tastes good but not something I can make and store for company .

      • Joan Ross says

        November 18, 2013 at 8:49 pm

        Yes , I followed your recipe exactly . I put them on a tray overnight in my oven (not on of course) . I didn’t even have much trouble getting them out of the pans or cutting them . They are pretty though. Maybe I will try again , Thank you

    • Joan Hayes says

      November 24, 2013 at 8:49 pm

      these gumdrops are made with Jello, the package size is 3 ounces. for the unflavored gelatin, there are 4 envelopes in a 1 ounce package so each envelope would be 1/4 ounce.

  42. Donna Tripp says

    December 12, 2013 at 11:15 pm

    My husband love gum drops but he can not have Apples. Is there any thing that could replace the Apple juice? I love your recipes.. Have tried many they do not always look as good as your BUT the taste is great.. Thank you..

  43. Mandy says

    December 26, 2013 at 2:15 pm

    I made these with orange juice and orange jello!! AWESOME!! Have peach with pear juice in the fridge right now. Thank you so much…I’ve always been afraid to try candy!

  44. Mandy says

    January 24, 2014 at 9:49 pm

    Tried these again with something new…used the Jolly Rancher Green apple and added some finely chopped walnuts…awesome! Thank you again for the great recipe!

  46. Faleen says

    June 13, 2014 at 10:04 am

    I am just double checking on my understanding of your directions. You mention taking the ingredients up to a boil and after that pouring into a chilled pan and ‘return to refrigerator for 3-4 hours’….i never put anything that hot into the refrigerator. if i leave it on the counter to cool down prior to placing in the refrigerator will it affect my outcome? Placing even that volume of heat in the refrigerator is not a good idea for the unit.

  47. April says

    June 22, 2014 at 4:47 pm

    So, cool! I was just thinking of gumdrops this past week. Excited to find your recipe. Can’t wait to make them soon.

  49. Tawni Hoy says

    October 14, 2014 at 2:08 am

    Do you store at room temp and how long will they stay fresh in jar???? Want to make for my dad for Christmas. Excited.

  50. Amy Leigh Strickland says

    December 11, 2014 at 9:47 am

    I just made two batches of these yesterday and left them in my cold electric oven to dry overnight. They are still super jiggly (hardly more solid than plain Jell-O. You said something in another comment about them firming up more over a week. Is that a week left out to dry or a week in a container? Is there anything to be done to make them a bit stiffer at this point? I was expecting something more solid like a Dot candy, not little Jell-O Jigglers.

  51. Mary says

    January 17, 2015 at 2:23 am

    I have an allergy to all citrus fruits. Is there anything else I can use in place of the lemon juice that isn’t citrus?

  53. Chrissy says

    April 2, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    Can’t wait to make these:) Thanks so much for the recipe. I can’t wait to receive more. Oh and yes a lot of families live like that lol speaking from a family of 9. Seems like the only down time I get is while sleeping:/ Still wouldn’t change it for the world:)
    Chrissy

  54. kentuckylady717 says

    April 9, 2015 at 9:03 am

    I am so tired just reading your blog 🙂 I love all the jello recipes….want to make them all….can’t wait to make the cake, lemon cookies and the gum drops first….these are all so neat…..sounds like you are one busy lady…..keep up the good work….

  55. Laurie says

    September 21, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    I made these over the weekend. So easy and yummy! I used my metal pizza slicer to cut the jello into squares and it worked great. No sticking and super fast. These won’t last long at my house.