Are you ready to take your pickle game to the next level? Look no further than Jolly Rancher candy coated pickles, a sweet and sour treat that’s perfect for snacking, gift-giving, or adding a unique twist to your favorite recipes. In this article, we’ll show you how to make these delicious pickles at home, using just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment.
What are Jolly Rancher Candy Coated Pickles?
Jolly Rancher candy coated pickles are a type of pickle that’s been coated in a layer of sweet and tangy Jolly Rancher candy. The combination of the sour pickle and the sweet candy creates a flavor experience that’s both familiar and excitingly new. These pickles are perfect for anyone who loves pickles, candy, or just trying new things.
The History of Jolly Rancher Candy Coated Pickles
While Jolly Rancher candy coated pickles may seem like a new and trendy snack, they actually have a long history. The idea of coating pickles in candy dates back to the early 20th century, when pickles were a common ingredient in many American households. The addition of Jolly Rancher candy to the mix is a more recent innovation, but one that’s quickly gained popularity among pickle enthusiasts.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make Jolly Rancher candy coated pickles at home, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 jar of dill pickles (any size or shape will do)
- 1 bag of Jolly Rancher candies (any flavor)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid (optional)
- A medium-sized saucepan
- A candy thermometer
- A wooden skewer or fork
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Preparing the Pickles
Before you can coat your pickles in Jolly Rancher candy, you’ll need to prepare them. Start by draining the pickles and rinsing them with cold water. This will help remove any excess vinegar or salt from the pickling liquid.
Next, use a paper towel to dry the pickles. This is an important step, as any excess moisture can prevent the candy from adhering to the pickles.
Making the Candy Coating
To make the candy coating, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup, and gelatin in a medium-sized saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. This is important, as you don’t want the candy to be too hot when you add the Jolly Rancher candies.
Adding the Jolly Rancher Candies
Once the candy mixture has cooled slightly, add the Jolly Rancher candies. You can use any flavor you like, but some popular options include blue raspberry, watermelon, and green apple.
Stir the candies into the candy mixture until they’re fully incorporated. You may need to use a little bit of elbow grease to get the candies to melt completely, but be patient – it’s worth it in the end.
Coating the Pickles
Now it’s time to coat your pickles in the Jolly Rancher candy mixture. Use a wooden skewer or fork to dip each pickle into the candy mixture, making sure to fully coat the pickle.
Place the coated pickles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your pickles and the amount of candy mixture you have.
Adding a Second Coating (Optional)
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor to your pickles, you can add a second coating of candy. Simply repeat the process of dipping the pickles in the candy mixture and placing them on the baking sheet.
Allowing the Candy to Set
Once you’ve coated all of your pickles, let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the candy to set. This is an important step, as you don’t want the candy to be sticky or soft.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when making Jolly Rancher candy coated pickles:
- Use a variety of Jolly Rancher flavors to create different flavor combinations. For example, you could use blue raspberry and lemon to create a sweet and tangy pickle.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the candy mixture to create different colors. This is a great way to match your pickles to a specific theme or occasion.
- Experiment with different types of pickles, such as sweet pickles or bread and butter pickles. Each type of pickle will give you a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped nuts to the candy mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Jolly Rancher candy coated pickles:
- Not drying the pickles thoroughly before coating them in candy. This can cause the candy to stick to the pickles unevenly or not at all.
- Not heating the candy mixture to the correct temperature. This can cause the candy to be too soft or too hard.
- Not letting the candy set long enough. This can cause the candy to be sticky or soft.
Conclusion
Jolly Rancher candy coated pickles are a delicious and unique treat that’s perfect for snacking, gift-giving, or adding a twist to your favorite recipes. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can make these pickles at home. Remember to follow the tips and variations outlined in this article to create the perfect Jolly Rancher candy coated pickles for your needs.
Get Creative and Have Fun!
The best part about making Jolly Rancher candy coated pickles is the ability to get creative and have fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors, colors, and ingredients to create unique and delicious pickles. With a little bit of practice and patience, you’ll be making Jolly Rancher candy coated pickles like a pro in no time.
What are Jolly Rancher Candy Coated Pickles and why are they a unique treat?
Jolly Rancher Candy Coated Pickles are a sweet and sour treat that combines the tangy flavor of pickles with the sweetness of Jolly Rancher candies. This unique treat is perfect for those who enjoy trying new and exciting flavors. The combination of the crunchy candy coating and the sour pickle inside creates a fascinating taste experience that will leave you wanting more.
The idea of coating pickles in candy may seem unusual, but it’s actually a popular treat in some parts of the United States. The sweetness of the Jolly Rancher candies balances out the sourness of the pickles, creating a flavor combination that’s both sweet and tangy. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, Jolly Rancher Candy Coated Pickles are definitely worth a try.
What ingredients do I need to make Jolly Rancher Candy Coated Pickles?
To make Jolly Rancher Candy Coated Pickles, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. These include Jolly Rancher candies, pickles, granulated sugar, water, and a candy thermometer. You’ll also need a pot, a candy mold or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and a fork or dipping tool. Optional ingredients include food coloring and flavorings, such as citric acid or sour sugar.
It’s worth noting that you can use any type of pickle you like, but sour pickles work best for this recipe. You can also use different flavors of Jolly Rancher candies to create different flavor combinations. For example, you could use blue raspberry Jolly Ranchers to create a sweet and tangy blue raspberry pickle.
How do I make the candy coating for the Jolly Rancher Candy Coated Pickles?
To make the candy coating, you’ll need to melt the Jolly Rancher candies in a pot with some granulated sugar and water. This will create a syrup that you can then heat to the proper temperature using a candy thermometer. Once the syrup reaches the proper temperature, you can remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before dipping the pickles.
It’s very important to use a candy thermometer when making the candy coating, as this will ensure that the syrup reaches the proper temperature. If the syrup doesn’t reach the proper temperature, it may not set properly, and the candy coating may be too sticky or too hard. You can also add a few drops of food coloring to the syrup to create different colors.
How do I coat the pickles in the Jolly Rancher candy coating?
To coat the pickles in the Jolly Rancher candy coating, you’ll need to dip each pickle into the warm syrup using a fork or dipping tool. Make sure to fully coat the pickle in the syrup, but don’t worry if some of the syrup drips off. You can also use a candy mold to create fun shapes, such as hearts or stars.
Once you’ve coated the pickles in the syrup, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Let the pickles cool and harden completely before serving. This may take several hours, depending on the temperature and humidity. You can also speed up the process by placing the pickles in the refrigerator.
Can I customize the flavor and color of my Jolly Rancher Candy Coated Pickles?
Yes, you can customize the flavor and color of your Jolly Rancher Candy Coated Pickles by using different flavors of Jolly Rancher candies and adding food coloring to the syrup. You can also add a few drops of citric acid or sour sugar to the syrup to create a more sour flavor.
In addition to using different flavors of Jolly Rancher candies, you can also experiment with different types of pickles, such as sweet pickles or bread and butter pickles. You can also add a few sprinkles or edible glitter to the pickles before the candy coating hardens for extra color and fun.
How do I store my Jolly Rancher Candy Coated Pickles?
To store your Jolly Rancher Candy Coated Pickles, place them in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a plastic container. Make sure to keep the pickles away from heat and moisture, as this can cause the candy coating to melt or become sticky.
You can store the pickles at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to a month. You can also freeze the pickles for up to six months. Before serving, let the pickles come to room temperature or thaw them in the refrigerator. This will help the candy coating to set properly and prevent it from becoming sticky.
Are Jolly Rancher Candy Coated Pickles suitable for all ages and dietary restrictions?
Jolly Rancher Candy Coated Pickles are suitable for most ages, but they may not be suitable for young children due to the risk of choking on the pickles or the candy coating. They are also not suitable for people with certain dietary restrictions, such as those who are gluten-free, vegan, or have a sugar intolerance.
However, you can make some modifications to the recipe to make it more suitable for people with dietary restrictions. For example, you can use gluten-free Jolly Rancher candies or substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute. You can also use vegan pickles or make your own pickles using a vegan recipe.