Boozy Holiday Gummy Candies

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn't come from a store.

Maybe Christmas .. perhaps .. means a little bit more!” ~ Dr Seuss | How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Photo Credit: Tumblr.com – Jiminyoon

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Happy Christmas Eve

We're nearing the end of the holiday parties .. big meals .. peppermint chocolate treats .. traffic to and from Target .. and exhausted looking delivery people. I've been making pies for Christmas at Food at First today .. setting aside a few slices for our mail carrier who .. I'm sure will be knocking on our door around 6 (he's looking extra weary the past few days)

I'm also doing a bit of baking for the open houses we're going to tonight.

This year I've decided to take a week or so off from blogging. A chance to be fully present and enjoy the holidays. I'm hoping to spend time with friends and family (both near and far) .. and indulge in some festive fun.

Also in the mix? Studying for my latest class .. the world's longest nap .. and a visit to see my grandson

The other night .. as The Chef threw a couple more logs into the fireplace .. I couldn't help but think that children .. grandchildren (and puppies) are a lot like watching fires. They're forever changing and shifting .. while bringing warmth into our homes. Certainly not all is calm (nor are the nights silent) .. but they are bright indeed

Wishing you and yours the most wonderful of holiday seasons. My you enjoy many moments of peace .. love .. and

fuzzy slippers

I'm convinced these quirky .. sugared .. and boozy gummies should be a part of every holiday party.

They're easy to  color, flavor, and shape in just about any way. There's also booze involved. They lend a striking dash of color to the table .. and I love watching them shimmer and wink in the holiday lights

Left unadorned .. they look like precious gems .. or they can be transformed into sparkly crunchy treats by tossing them in sanding sugar just before serving

They're as fun to eat as they are to make

A few tips and tricks

To create the shapes. We had far better luck using a cookie cutter over allowing them to set in a mold. Extracting gummies from the mold and keeping them pretty .. didn't always go hand-in-hand

Toss them in sanding sugar just before serving. As they sit out .. those tossed in sugar will slowly begin to liquefy.

This basic recipe makes two-tone grapefruit and pomegranate pink-and-red gummies. But you can sub in different liquids and liquors to make other pretty (and tasty) combinations.

With all of the different liquors in play .. and only needing a small amount of each .. it's a gift from the heavens to have a neighbors with well-stocked liquor cabinets

Enjoy!

xoxo

ps:  I'll be back on January 3rd .. ready for another year of healthy recipes .. and a few stories to share along the way

(Photo Credit: Feature Image – Bon Appetit)

~ Adapted from Bon Appetit

5.0 from 1 reviews

Boozy Holiday Gummy Candies

 

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Author: Sexy Veggie

Ingredients

• Grapefruit Layer
• ½ cup fresh grapefruit juice
• ? cup honey (or light agave nectar)
• 3 Tbsp Campari
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp unflavored powdered gelatin
  
  
• Pomegranate Layer
• ½ cup pomegranate juice
• ¼ cup honey (or light agave nectar)
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp Grand Marnier
• 2 Tbsp unflavored powdered gelatin
• Sanding sugar (for serving; optional)

Instructions

1. Grapefruit Layer
2. Combine grapefruit juice, honey, Campari, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
3. Sprinkle gelatin evenly over and let sit until gelatin is softened, 10–15 minutes.
4. Cook over medium-low, stirring constantly, until gelatin is dissolved and mixture is translucent with no visible granules, about 4 minutes (do not boil)
5. Strain into an 8½x4½” loaf pan; chill until firm ~ 30–40 minutes
   
   
6. Pomegranate Layer
7. While grapefruit layer is chilling, combine pomegranate juice, honey, lemon juice, and Grand Marnier in a small saucepan.
8. Sprinkle gelatin evenly over and let sit until gelatin is softened, 10–15 minutes.
9. Cook over medium-low, stirring constantly, until gelatin is dissolved and mixture is translucent with no visible granules, about 4 minutes (do not boil).
10. Let mixture cool slightly, then strain over set grapefruit layer and cover with plastic wrap.
11. Chill gummy mixture until completely set, at least 3 hours.
12. Run a small offset spatula around sides of pan to loosen candy, then gently peel away candy from bottom (be careful not to tear it).
13. Cut into 1" cubes or punch out into desired shapes with canapé or small cookie cutters.
14. Toss candies in sanding sugar, if desired, just before serving

Notes

Do Ahead: The gummies can be made up to 4 days ahead. Keep chilled and cut them just before serving

3.5.3208