Candy Jewels
Colorful candy jewels with fruity flavors and a chewy texture, perfect for sweet snacks, party favors, or gift-giving, appealing to kids and candy lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix Sure-Jell fruit pectin, water, and baking soda in a 4-quart saucepan. The mixture will foam slightly.
- In another saucepan, mix sugar, corn syrup, and Kool-Aid.
- Place both pans over high heat and cook, stirring alternately, until the foam has thinned from the pectin mixture and the sugar mixture is boiling rapidly, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Pour the pectin mixture in a slow, steady stream into the boiling sugar mixture, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for 1 minute longer.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 9-inch square pan.
- Let stand at room temperature until cool and firm, about 3 hours.
- Invert onto sugar-coated wax paper. Cut into 3/4-inch squares with a spatula dipped in warm water.
- Roll the squares in additional sugar to prevent stickiness.
- Let stand overnight, uncovered, at room temperature before packaging or storing.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your pectin mixture foams slightly before combining with the sugar mixture. If you don't have Sure-Jell, you can substitute with another fruit pectin brand. Adjust the sugar to your taste, but be cautious as it affects the consistency. If you want a different flavor, consider using flavored gelatin instead of Kool-Aid for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Candy Jewels make a delightful treat for parties or as a sweet snack. They pair wonderfully with tea or coffee and can be served alongside a cheese platter for a sweet and savory contrast. Consider including them in gift baskets or as fun party favors. They can also complement desserts like the 'Abc' Sweet Potato Souffle.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Candy Jewels in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally in a cool, dry place. They can last for up to two weeks. If you notice any stickiness, you can sprinkle a little additional sugar on them before storing. Avoid refrigeration as it can change their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candy Jewels contains roughly 71 calories, with 0g protein and 19g carbohydrates. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 617mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other flavors instead of Kool-Aid?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavored gelatins or extracts. Fruit juices can also be used to create unique flavors, but be careful with the liquid amount to maintain the right consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).