Today is February 15, and you know what that means, it’s National Gumdrop Day.
There’s so much to say about gumdrops. For one, they’re quite tasty. The little candy treats are also fun colored in bright green, pink, purple and red. They’re also super sweet and not to mention, they make great pieces for decorating gingerbread houses.
Not only are gumdrops creatively colored and coated in sugar, they also come in an array of fruity flavors including cherry, grape, orange and lemon. Gumdrops also come in spiced flavors like cinnamon, mint and clove.
Gumdrops have made their ways into the hearts of many over the course of their history, which is kind of fuzzy, they’ve even made their ways onto game boards like the classic game, Candy Land.
So where exactly do these treats come from? Unfortunately not much is known about gumdrop history though Punch Bowl reports that many people believe that a man named Percy Trusdale invented the gumdrop in 1801.
To celebrate National Gumdrop Day, buy a bag. for those more creative, incorporate gumdrops into a Gum Drop Cake. Here’s a recipe from Cooks.com that is sure to satisfy and help you celebrate National Gumdrop Day:
2 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening or butter
3 eggs
1 c. crushed pineapple with juice
1 c. coconut
1 lb. gum drops
3 3/4 c. all-purpose flour (save 1/2 c. for drops)
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 c. warm milk
1 tsp. lemon
1 tsp. vanillaCream sugar, shortening and eggs together. Add milk and flour. Alternate with pineapple. Cut up gum drops into bite sized pieces and coat with the 1/2 cup flour. Add floured drops last. Bake for 2 hours at 325 degrees. Put a pan of water in oven with cake.
