Old-Fashioned Orange Candy – A Sweet Nostalgic Treat You’ll Love

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 packet (about 1 tbsp) unflavored gelatin
• 1/4 teaspoon citric acid (for a tart kick, optional)
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• A pinch of salt
• Orange food coloring (optional)
• Coarse sugar for coating

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Gelatin:
   In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
2. Cook the Sugar Syrup:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and remaining 1/4 cup of water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. If you have a candy thermometer, aim for about 240°F (115°C), the soft-ball stage.
3. Mix Gelatin with Syrup:
   Once the sugar syrup reaches the right temperature, remove it from heat. Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the syrup and stir until fully dissolved. Be careful not to burn yourself—this will be hot!
4. Add Flavor & Color:
   Stir in the orange extract and citric acid (if using). This will give your candy a punch of orange flavor with a little tang. You can also add a few drops of orange food coloring to get that classic orange hue.
5. Mold the Candy:
   Pour the mixture into a silicone mold or a lightly greased pan. If using a pan, you can spread the mixture into an even layer and later cut it into bite-sized pieces.
6. Let It Set:
   Allow the mixture to set for several hours or overnight at room temperature until firm. You can speed this process by placing it in the fridge, but room temperature works fine, too.
7. Coat the Candies:
   Once the candy is set and firm, remove it from the mold or cut it into small pieces. Roll each piece in coarse sugar to give it a slightly crunchy exterior.
8. Enjoy:
   Your old-fashioned orange candies are now ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Tips:

• If you want to adjust the flavor, you can experiment with adding a bit of lemon extract for a citrusy blend.
• For a chewy texture, make sure to cook the syrup to the correct temperature and let the gelatin dissolve thoroughly.
• These candies are perfect for gifts or nostalgic treats!