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1
Line a 8x4x2-inch loaf pan with foil, extending foil over edges of the pan.
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2
Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
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3
In a 1-1/2-quart heavy saucepan combine the 1 cup sugar and the corn syrup.
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4
Cook over medium-high heat to boiling, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 3 minutes to dissolve sugar.
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5
Avoid splashing mixture on sides of pan (see How to Avoid Gritty Candy, below).
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6
Carefully clip candy thermometer to side of pan.
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7
Cook over medium heat (mixture should boil at a moderate, steady rate over the entire surface), stirring occasionally, until the thermometer registers 280 degree F, (soft-crack stage) about 7 minutes.
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8
Meanwhile, in a heavy 2-quart saucepan combine coconut milk, water, pectin, and baking soda.
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9
(Mixture will be foamy.)
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10
Bring to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly.
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11
This should take about 2 minutes.
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12
Remove saucepan from heat; set saucepan aside.
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13
When sugar mixture in first saucepan has reached soft-crack stage, remove the saucepan from heat; remove candy thermometer.
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14
Return pectin mixture to boiling.
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15
Gradually pour the hot sugar mixture in a thin stream into the boiling pectin mixture, stirring constantly (this step should take 1 to 2 minutes).
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16
Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute more.
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17
Remove saucepan from heat.
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18
Pour candy mixture into prepared pan.
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19
Let stand about 2 hours or until firm.
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20
When firm, use foil to lift candy out of pan.
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21
Use a wet knife to cut candy into about 3/4-inch squares.
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22
Roll squares in Coconut Sugar.
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23
Store loosely covered.
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24
For Coconut Sugar: Place 1/2 cup toasted coconut in a food processor.
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25
Cover and process until very finely ground.
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26
Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
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27
Store in an airtight container.
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28
For Grapefruit Gumdrops: Prepare as directed above except omit the coconut milk and the 1/4 cup water.
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29
Replace with 3/4 cup ruby red grapefruit juice.
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30
After combining both mixtures, stir in 1/2 teaspoon grated grapefruit peel.
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31
Tint with one drop of red food coloring.
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32
Roll in Coconut Sugar, as directed.
