National Gumdrop Day was on Feb.15. Gumdrops are a chewy candy that are madde with gelatin and sugar coated. The origin of the gumdrop is a mystery, but legend has it that the gumdrop was created in 1801. Percy S. Truesdell, chemist and candy manufacturer, gets credit for making the first gumdrop, according to National Day calendar. He was known as the gumdrop king.

In 1916, Truesdell founded the P. S. Truesdell Manufacturing Company. After his death in 1948, articles appeared to credit Truesdell for taking a hard, poorly flavored glob of sugar and making the chewy gumdrop we know today.  Truesdell altered the candy while working at Ohio State University.  

How about making your own gumdrops for Valentine’s Day? Try this quick and easy recipe from Taste of Home.

Prep time: 25 minutes + chilling

Yield: 64 servings

Ingredients

• 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin

• ½ cup plus ¾ cup water, divided

• 1 ½ cups sugar

• ¼ to ½ teaspoon raspberry extract

• Red food coloring

• Additional sugar

Directions

In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over a ½ cup of water; let stand for 5 minutes. 

In a small saucepan, bring sugar and remaining water to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add gelatin; reduce heat. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Remove from heat; stir in extract and food coloring as desired. Pour into a greased 8-in.-square pan. Refrigerate, covered, 3 hours or until firm. 

Loosen edges of candy from pan with a knife; turn onto a sugared work surface. Cut into 1-inch squares; roll in sugar. 

Let stand, uncovered, at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours or until all sides are dry, turning every hour. Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator.