Make-Your-Own Spring Candies

How about whipping up some custom treats like these to celebrate spring?

They also double as some great little decorations.  And the kids can help make them.  Yay!!

Did I mention these are also perfect additions to the Easter baskets?

Making them is easy.  Here's how - 

You'll Need:

- 1 packet (1/4 oz, or 2 tsp) unflavored gel powder (KoJel, for vegetarians or plain gelatin)

- 1/2 cup water

- 2 tsp light corn syrup

- 2 lbs powdered sugar

- food coloring gel

Mix the corn syrup, gel/gelatin powder and water in a pyrex bowl.  Microwave for about 30 seconds and then stir so that all the gel is fully dissolved and well blended.

Using a standing or hand mixer, start mixing in the powdered sugar a cup at a time until it becomes a firm dough.  Turn out onto a flat surface, dusted with more powdered sugar, and knead until smooth.  Separate into smaller batches and add color a drop or two at a time if desired (adding more powdered sugar to prevent them from becoming sticky).

Then begin rolling out to desired thickness (between 1/4 - 1 inch is best).  Use some spring-themed mini cutters (available in most craft stores):

Work fast to roll them out easily & give them 48 hrs to dry (this is key!!):

Then, draw on details with food pens to add the perfect accents and leave them out to dry for another day (I learned the hard way that sticking them in an airtight container makes the markings bleed, so don't do that).

This part was a favorite for both me & the kids - who wouldn't have fun using food markers on their candy?  Go traditional or wild - the possibilities are endless.  Here's what my guys designed themselves:

And they taste pretty good too.  So what are you waiting for?  Make like this little guy and hop to it!

Happy Spring!!

Sharing these creations with my FAVE LINK PARTIES too so click HERE to check them out!