Vegan Conversation Hearts Candy
No need to miss out on Valentine's Day conversation hearts anymore. Make your own with this recipe for Vegan Conversation Hearts Candy!
Ingredients
- 2 tsp agar powder or ½ teaspoon guar gum
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 cups confectioner's sugar + more for kneeding and rolling
Flavorings and color:
- ¼ teaspoon matcha or spinach powder green
- ¼ teaspoon beet powder pink
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric yellow
- ¼ tsp vanilla white
Instructions
- In a saucepan combine water and agar powder or guar gum. Don't worry if guar gum forms lumps as heating will dissolve them.
- Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes stirring often. The mixture will begin to form a gel.
- Pour gel into the bowl of stand mixer with the paddle attachment or use a hand mixer.
- Add confectioner's sugar one cup at a time beating on low until all sugar has been added and a dough that resembles play dough has formed.
- Divide dough into four equal pieces. Wrap 3 of the dough balls in plastic wrap and set aside. Take the fourth and make a small dent in the center of dough ball and add desired coloring or flavoring. Kneed on a surface sprinkled liberally with confectioner's sugar to incorporate into the dough thoroughly.
- Roll dough out on a surface sprinkled with confectioner's sugar to a thickness of ⅛ to ¼ inch. Cut out desired shape and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set in an undisturbed area to dry.
- Continue this process working with one piece of dough at a time until all have been flavored, rolled, and cut.
- Allow candy hearts to dry undisturbed in open air for 1-3 days or until hardened. The length of time will depend on the thickness of the candies and the humidity in your area.
- After candy has hardened write messages if desired using a vegan food coloring pen or mix ¼ teaspoon beet powder with enough water to form a paste and use a toothpick.
- Store candies in a container in the pantry.
Notes
Adapted from altonbrown.com
