Are you tired of those harsh, chemically-laden cough drops that leave your mouth feeling drier than the Sahara? Craving a soothing, natural remedy for that persistent cough? Then look no further! This easy recipe for homemade cough drops is perfect for the whole family, offering a delicious and effective way to relieve those annoying coughs and sore throats. These are quick dinner ideas for your health, perfect for homemade cooking and are amongst the best recipes out there. Let’s get started on this healthy meal alternative!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, adds extra soothing properties)
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (or other flavoring of your choice – lemon, eucalyptus, etc.)
- Flavored candies, such as gummy bears or hard candies (optional)
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Cough drop molds (silicone molds work best)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir well to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
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Simmer and Stir: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and burning. This is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
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Cook to 300°F: Once boiling, continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 300°F (149°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the hard-crack stage and ensures your cough drops will set properly.
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Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the honey (if using) and peppermint extract. Be cautious as the mixture will be extremely hot.
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Pour into Molds: Lightly spray your cough drop molds with non-stick cooking spray. Quickly pour the hot mixture into the molds, filling them almost to the top.
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Cool and Set: Allow the cough drops to cool and completely harden at room temperature. This usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the ambient temperature and the type of mold used.
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Remove and Enjoy: Once set, gently pop the cough drops out of the molds. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cough Drops:
- Use a Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer is essential for achieving the correct hard-crack stage. This ensures the cough drops will set properly and have the right consistency.
- Stir Constantly: Consistent stirring prevents burning and ensures even cooking. Don't leave the saucepan unattended while it's on the heat.
- Don’t Overfill Molds: Leave a little space at the top of the molds to allow for expansion as the mixture cools.
- Experiment with Flavors: Get creative! Try different essential oils or extracts like lemon, eucalyptus, or even a touch of cinnamon for unique flavor combinations. Adding a few crushed flavored candies can add a burst of extra flavor.
Variations:
- Honey-Lemon Cough Drops: Replace the peppermint extract with lemon extract and increase the honey to 1 tablespoon for a zesty and soothing variation.
- Eucalyptus Cough Drops: Use eucalyptus extract for a powerful decongestant effect, especially beneficial for coughs caused by colds.
Nutritional Information (per cough drop - approximate, will vary based on size and ingredients):
- Calories: Approximately 20-30 calories
- Sugar: Approximately 5-7 grams
This easy recipe for homemade cough drops offers a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought options. Enjoy the soothing relief and the satisfaction of creating your own natural remedy. These are excellent healthy meals and quick dinner ideas that utilize homemade cooking techniques to produce amazing results. Try it and see – these are amongst the best recipes you will find!