Lemon Gumdrops

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Butter an 8-by-8-inch baking dish. Dissolve the gelatin in ½ cup water for 5 minutes. Combine 2 cups sugar and ½ cup water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir constantly and wash down the sides of the pan several times with a pastry brush that has been dipped in cold water to prevent crystallization.

2. Step 2

   Add the gelatin and continue boiling and stirring until it thickens, 15 minutes.

3. Step 3

   Add the lemon juice and orange zest and boil for 5 more minutes. Stir in the food coloring. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and let set up for about 1 hour.

4. Step 4

   Put the remaining sugar in a shallow bowl. Butter a large chef's knife and your fingers. Cut the lemon gel into ½-inch squares and coat with the sugar.