Savor the soft and fruity delight of Apple Jelly Candy, a charming treat with a touch of old-fashioned charm. Infused with the natural sweetness of applesauce and a delightful crunch from chopped walnuts, these squares are perfect for holiday celebrations. A dusting of sugar adds a pretty finish, making them an irresistible addition to your festive dessert table.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1¾ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
- 1 package (3 ounces) lemon gelatin
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Superfine, confectioners’, and/or granulated sugar (for rolling)
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, unsweetened applesauce, and both gelatins. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute. Over medium heat, bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for 15 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped walnuts and vanilla extract.
- Immediately pour the mixture into a greased 11×7-inch baking dish. Cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight, allowing the candy to set.
- The next day, cut the chilled candy into 1-inch pieces and roll each piece in superfine, confectioners’, or granulated sugar, giving it a beautiful and festive appearance.
- Store the Apple Jelly Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
YIELD: About 6 dozen pieces
COOKING TIME: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Ensure the mixture reaches a rolling boil for the specified time to achieve the desired consistency and texture.
- Grease the baking dish generously to prevent the candy from sticking during refrigeration.
- Refrigerate the candy overnight to allow it to set properly and become easy to cut into pieces.
TIPS:
- Use high-quality unsweetened applesauce to ensure the candy’s natural fruit flavor shines through.
- Experiment with different coatings, such as colored sanding sugar or crushed nuts, to customize the candy’s appearance to suit the occasion.
In conclusion, Apple Jelly Candy exudes the warmth of tradition and the joy of holiday celebrations. This delightful confection boasts a soft, fruity center, complemented by the satisfying crunch of chopped walnuts. Coated in a delicate layer of sugar, these old-fashioned squares become an enchanting addition to your holiday dessert table.
The combination of unsweetened applesauce and flavored gelatin results in a candy that captures the essence of autumn, invoking memories of freshly picked apples and crisp fall days. The use of lemon gelatin adds a delightful zing, elevating the flavor profile to new heights.
Prepared with love and care, Apple Jelly Candy serves as a sweet reminder of simpler times, where handmade treats and thoughtful gestures brought joy to family gatherings and festive occasions. As you savor each piece, you are transported to a bygone era, filled with laughter, love, and the aroma of homemade sweets.
The versatility of this candy allows for creative experimentation, making it a versatile addition to your holiday repertoire. Whether served at a family gathering, offered as a delightful party favor, or gifted to loved ones, this candy brings smiles to faces and warmth to hearts.
As you roll the candy in sugar, its appearance becomes whimsical and charming, adding to the magic of the holiday season. The candy’s visual appeal matches its delectable taste, making it a delightful treat for children and adults alike.
In the charming town of Powderville, Montana, Helen Orestad’s Apple Jelly Candy is cherished as a symbol of Montana’s warm hospitality and love for simple pleasures. Sharing this delightful confection with out-of-state guests not only showcases the region’s culinary delights but also brings people together in moments of joy and celebration.
So, this holiday season, embrace the spirit of tradition and love for family and friends by preparing a batch of Apple Jelly Candy. As you relish the soft and fruity goodness, let it remind you of the cherished memories created during the holidays and inspire you to continue making new memories with those you hold dear.
