My jewel-toned squares are softer than store-bought gumdrops, and their terrific taste has a true old-fashioned quality people love. You can't eat just one! —Richard Bunt, Painted Post, New York
Ingredients
3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1-1/4 cups water, divided
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
4 drops each red and green food coloring
Additional sugar
Instructions
1In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup water; let stand 5 minutes. In a small saucepan, bring sugar and remaining 3/4 cup water to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add gelatin mixture; simmer and stir over low heat until gelatin is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in extract.
2Divide mixture between 2 bowls; tint 1 red and the other green with food coloring. Transfer each to a greased 8x4-in. loaf pan; cool completely. Refrigerate, covered, until firm, about 3 hours.
3Loosen sides from pan with a knife; turn onto a sugared cutting board. Cut into 1/2-in. cubes; roll in additional sugar.
4Let stand, uncovered, at room temperature until all sides are dry, 3-4 hours, turning every hour.
