Gummy Hearts

My kids just love these bite size treats that practically melt in your mouth. They are so easy to prepare….in fact my 9 year old daughter helped me with this recipe. It only requires three ingredients and your pick of adorable silicone molds. I bought this set of small heart molds in the dollar spot section of Target. 

In a medium saucepan, whisk together 2 packages of jello, 4 envelopes of gelatin and 1 cup of water. 

Heat over a medium to low setting until the jello melts. Continue to whisk for a few minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes; then transfer to a glass container with a pouring spout. 

Each heart tray makes fourteen treats. There is no need to pre-spray the trays. The jello candy will pop right out whenever it is set and cool. Simply pour the melted jello mixture into each mold about 2/3 full (or carefully to the top of the mold). The recipe I made filled exactly 4 heart trays creating a total of 56 cherry flavored hearts!!

While we were making the cherry hearts we decided to go ahead and make a second batch with orange jello. It is just so easy to do!!!

So I used my extra molds (bear, butterfly and snowflake shapes) for the melted orange jello mixture.  It is always a great idea to double the recipe because these do not last long in my house!                                                         

Let the jello set in the molds for 10-20 minutes. Then invert the molds and gently push out each gummy candy. These do not need to be refrigerated. They are easily stored in a Valentine's ziploc bag, plastic container or any cute decorative tin! The sweet cherry flavored hearts are the perfect Valentine's Day treat….or for any day that you want an easy snack that the kids will love!

Gummy Hearts

2 (3oz.) packages of cherry jello (or any flavor you like)

4 envelopes of gelatin

1 cup of water

Combine jello, gelatin and water into a medium saucepan.  Heat on medium for about 5 minutes or until the jello crystals are dissolved….whisking occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Pour into a glass container that has a spout. Carefully pour warm mixture into the silicone mold trays. Let cool in the molds for at least 10-20 minutes or until set. Remove gummy candy from molds and store in airtight container. 

Pecan Brittle

Back in October I attended a chili festival in my hometown. At this event I purchased a small plastic bag of peanut brittle. Due to my pre-holiday diet I decided to hide this bag of candy from myself high in my pantry closet. I finally broke down and opened the bag sometime after Christmas. I couldn't get enough of the yummy airy candy. My husband and I tried to ration out small portions of the peanut brittle until eventually it was all gone! That started my journey to find a similar recipe so that I could make brittle whenever I wanted!!

After searching many different recipes I came up with a delicious version. I wanted a recipe that was fast and easy but still developed the sweet airy flavor of brittle.  I knew that baking soda was a necessary ingredient to add the fluffy texture. Since I was too lazy to make a trip to the commissary I chose to use chopped pecans instead of peanuts. I've been saving this particular bag of shelled pecans that we bought on a road trip through Texas recently. I simply chopped the pecans into small pieces and measured almost 2 cups. 

I also used a large glass bowl so that it would be easy to microwave and mix together. Just be careful when you remove the glass bowl….it can get quite hot in the microwave!

Also make sure you have the baking sheet prepped before heating the brittle. I lined the cookie sheet with a piece of parchment paper and then sprayed it with Pam cooking spray.  

Pecan Brittle

2 cups pecan halves, chopped

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/8 tsp salt

1 tsp butter (1 small slice)

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

Mix pecans, sugar, syrup and salt in a large glass bowl.  Microwave on HIGH 4 minutes; stir with a large spoon. Microwave on HIGH 3 minutes. Stir in butter and vanilla; microwave on HIGH 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and add baking soda; stir quickly. Pour out onto a greased baking sheet. Let set until cool and then break into pieces. Store in a airtight container.