DIY Conversation Heart Candy Recipe

(*)(**)(***)

(****)(****)(****)(***)
(*****)(******)Ingredients ((*****************************************************************))(*******)(********)
(*********)For the candy dough: (**********)(***********)(************)1/2 cup lemon-lime soda(*************)
(************)1 (1/4-ounce) packet unflavored gelatin(*************)
(************)2 pounds powdered sugar ((***********************************************************) ounces, about 8 rounded cups), plus at least 2 cups more as needed for flavoring, coloring, and stamping out the candy(*************)
(************)1/4 teaspoon fine salt(*************)
(**************)(*********)For flavoring 1 portion of the dough: (**********)(***********)(************)1/8 teaspoon orange flower water, plus more as needed, OR(*************)
(************)1/8 teaspoon rose water, plus more as needed, OR(*************)
(************)1 drop peppermint extract, plus more as needed(*************)
(**************)(*********)For coloring 1 portion of the dough: (**********)(***********)(************)1 drop red food coloring for pink, plus more as needed, OR(*************)
(************)1 drop yellow food coloring for pale yellow, plus more as needed, OR(*************)
(************)1 drop green food coloring for pale green, plus more as needed, OR(*************)
(************)1 drop blue food coloring and 1 drop red food coloring for purple, plus more as needed, OR(*************)
(************)1 drop red food coloring and 1 drop yellow food coloring for orange, plus more as needed(*************)
(**************)(*********)For writing captions on the finished candy: (**********)(***********)(************)Food-safe color markers(*************)
(**************)(***************)

Try Amazon Fresh

(***)
Nutritional Information
(***)
(***)
(***********)(************)(******)Calories(*******)(******)(*******)(******)(***************************************************************)(*******)(*************)
(************)(******)Fat(*******)(******)(*******)(******)1.(**********************************************************)g(*******)(*************)
(************)(******)Saturated fat(*******)(******)(*******)(******)0.(********************************************************)g(*******)(*************)
(************)(******)Trans fat(*******)(******)(*******)(******)(*******)(*************)
(************)(******)Carbs(*******)(******)(*******)(******)3.(*************************************************************)g(*******)(*************)
(************)(******)Fiber(*******)(******)(*******)(******)0.3g(*******)(*************)
(************)(******)Sugar(*******)(******)(*******)(******)2.(*********************************************************)g(*******)(*************)
(************)(******)Protein(*******)(******)(*******)(******)0.(***************************************************************)g(*******)(*************)
(************)(******)Cholesterol(*******)(******)(*******)(******)(*******)(*************)
(************)(******)Sodium(*******)(******)(*******)(******)3.(*******************************************************)mg(*******)(*************)

(**************)(***************)
(***************)
(***************)

(******)(*******)

(***)
(***)

(***)
(****************)Get fresh food news delivered to your inbox(*****************)
(******************)Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest tips, tricks, recipes and more, sent twice a week.(*******************)(********************)(*********************)

(******************)
(**********************)
(******)I have read and agree to CBS Interactive’s Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, Video Services Policy. I understand that I will receive the Chowhound Newsletter. I am aware I can opt out at any time.(*******)
(***********************)
(*********************)
(***************)
(***)
(************************)(********************)(***************)
(***************)
(***************)

(*************************)(****)(***)

(***)

(******************)Crafting your own conversation heart candy (a.k.a. Sweethearts) is a surefire way to get your Valentine’s Day message heard, plus these hearts are surprisingly easy to make. Dissolve unflavored gelatin in lemon-lime soda to give the candy its trademark muted citrus flavor, then mix in heaps of powdered sugar to form the “dough.” Add whatever festive colors and flavorings you prefer, like mint, orange flower water, or rose water; roll out the dough; and stamp out the hearts. Let the candy harden for a couple of days, then use food-safe markers to write fun, personalized messages on it. All that’s left to do is pass the hearts out to your friends and loved ones.(*********************)
(******************)(**************************)Special equipment: (***************************) Although not necessary, wearing a pair of disposable latex gloves will save you from staining your hands while blending in the food coloring.(*********************)
(******************)You’ll need a 1-inch heart-shaped aspic/jelly cutter to stamp out the hearts. You can find aspic/jelly cutters in gourmet cookware stores or online. Get more tips on specific equipment and technique in our How to Make Easy (******)DIY(*******) Conversation Heart Candy article.(*********************)
(******************)You’ll also need food-safe color markers to write the captions on the hearts, or liquid food coloring and a rubber stamp.(*********************)
(******************)(**************************)Game plan: (***************************) The finished candy takes 2 days to dry completely, so plan accordingly. Also, you can flavor and color the candy however you like, so only buy and use flavorings and colorings that suit you.(*********************)
(***************)

(***************)

(***)
(***********)(****************************)

(***)
(*****************************)What to buy(******************************)
(*****)KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, $(**************************************************).(******************************************************) at KitchenAid(********)
(******************)Your stand mixer is your best friend in lots of kitchen situations, and making this candy is definitely one of them.(*********************)
Shop ›
(***************)
(*************)
(**************)(***************)

(***)

(*****)Tips for Christmas(********)

(*******************************)
(***)

(********************************)
(***)
(******************)Tip(*********************)(******************)Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. (***************************************************************)?(*********************)
(***************)
(******************)
There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. (***************************************************************). The date is nine months after March (***************************************************************), a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. (***************************************************************) also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia’ and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.
(*********************)
(******************)Read More(*********************)
(***************)
(******************)1 of 3(*********************)
(***)
(*********************************)
(******************)
Next: (******)What Does the Name ‘Christmas’ Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?(*******)
(*********************)
(******)(*******)
(***************)
(***************)
(***************)
(***)

(*********************************)
(***)
(******************)Tip(*********************)(******************)What Does the Name ‘Christmas’ Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?(*********************)
(***************)
(******************)
Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word “Cristemasse” which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.
(*********************)
(******************)Read More(*********************)
(***************)
(******************)2 of 3(*********************)
(***)
(**********************************)
(******************)
Next: (******)How Can We Celebrate Christmas?(*******)
(*********************)
(******)(*******)
(***************)
(***************)
(***************)
(***)

(**********************************)
(***)
(******************)Tip(*********************)(******************)How Can We Celebrate Christmas?(*********************)
(***************)
(******************)
Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.
(*********************)
(******************)Read More(*********************)
(***************)
(******************)3 of 3(*********************)
(***)
(********************************)
(******************)
Next: (******)Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. (***************************************************************)?(*******)
(*********************)
(******)(*******)
(***************)
(***************)
(***************)
(***************)

(***************)

(***)
(*****)(******)Instructions(*******)(********)
(***)
(**************************)To make the candy dough: (***************************)
(***********************************)(************)
(******)1(*******)Pour the soda into a small saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface (the mixture will ripple). Let stand undisturbed until the gelatin softens, about 3 minutes. Whisk to combine (the mixture will foam).(*************)
(************)
(******)2(*******)Place the saucepan over low heat and whisk constantly, scraping down the sides of the pan with a rubber spatula as needed, until the gelatin dissolves and the mixture no longer feels grainy when rubbed between your fingers, about 3 to 4 minutes. (Don’t let the mixture simmer, or the gelatin won’t set properly.)(*************)
(************)
(******)3(*******)Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add 2 rounded cups of the powdered sugar and the salt and mix on low speed until the powdered sugar is incorporated, about (************************************************************) seconds. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl and the paddle with the rubber spatula. Add 2 more rounded cups of the powdered sugar and mix on low until incorporated, about (************************************************************) seconds; stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl and paddle. Repeat 2 more times until all of the powdered sugar has been added. Increase the speed to high and mix until the dough is smooth, pliable with your fingers, and resembles thick frosting, about 1 minute (it will stick to the paddle in a large mass).(*************)
(************************************)(******************)(**************************)To flavor and color the candy dough: (***************************)(*********************)
(***********************************)(************)
(******)1(*******)Generously dust a work surface and your hands with powdered sugar and, using your hands, a plastic scraper, or a rubber spatula, scrape the candy dough onto the prepared work surface. Using your hands, pat it into a 1-1/2-inch-thick disk and cut it into 6 equal portions. Set 5 portions aside and cover them loosely with plastic wrap.(*************)
(************)
(******)2(*******)Pat the dough portion you’re working with into a 1-inch-thick disk. Using your thumb, make a small well in the center. (*************************************)(********************) Drop the desired flavoring and food coloring into the well. (At this point you can use any one of the flavorings you like, and color the candy as you like too, but if you want to leave some of the hearts white, roll and cut them first to avoid staining the rest of the dough.) If desired, put on latex gloves to avoid staining your hands.(*************)
(************)
(******)3(*******)Using your hands, bring up the sides of the disk to enclose the well. (**************************************)(********************)(***************************************)(********************) Knead the dough until the food coloring and flavoring are evenly dispersed, dusting the surface and your hands with powdered sugar as necessary to keep the dough from sticking. (****************************************)(********************) Taste and evaluate the dough, adding more food coloring and flavoring as desired by patting the dough back into a disk, making a well, adding more color or flavor, and re-kneading. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and repeat with the remaining portions.(*************)
(************************************)(******************)(**************************)To roll and stamp the hearts: (***************************)(*********************)
(***********************************)(************)
(******)1(*******)Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.(*************)
(************)
(******)2(*******)Generously dust a work surface, rolling pin, and your hands with some of the powdered sugar. Working with 1 portion of the candy dough at a time, roll it out to a 1/4-inch thickness.(*************)
(************)
(******)3(*******)Using a 1-inch heart-shaped cutter, cut out as many hearts as possible, dipping the cutter into the powdered sugar as needed to prevent sticking. Transfer the hearts to the prepared baking sheets, arranging them close to one another but not touching.(*************)
(************)
(******)4(*******)Gather the scraps of dough, reroll once, and cut out as many hearts as possible (you should have about (************************************************************) hearts total). Repeat with the 5 remaining portions.(*************)
(************)
(******)5(*******)Allow the candy to sit uncovered at room temperature for (****************************************************************) hours. Flip the pieces over and allow them to sit until completely hardened, about (****************************************************************) hours more.(*************)
(************************************)(******************)(**************************)To finish the candy: (***************************)(*********************)
(***********************************)(************)
(******)1(*******)Using the food-safe color markers, write captions on the hearts. Package in airtight containers and store at room temperature for up to 1 week.(*************)
(************************************)

(***************)

(***************)

(*************************)(*************************)(*************************)(***************)(**)(*****************************************)Read More(******************************************)