Homemade Conversation Hearts

Prep: 1 hour plus standing and drying • Serves: 24

1. Line 2 rimmed baking pans with parchment paper; generously dust with sugar. In small microwave-safe bowl, whisk gelatin and 1/4 cup water; let stand 5 minutes. Heat gelatin mixture in microwave oven on high 20 seconds or until dissolved.

2. In bowl of stand mixer with paddle attachment, add gelatin mixture; with mixer on low speed, gradually add sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract and salt; beat 1 minute or until soft dough forms.

3. Divide dough into smaller bowls; add food color and knead to create desired colors.

4. Dust work surface with sugar. Working with 1 color at a time, roll dough to 1/4-inch thick; with 1-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out hearts and place in single layer on prepared pans. Gather dough scraps, reroll and cut out additional hearts.

5. Let hearts dry at room temperature 1 day or until completely hardened; write messages on hearts with pens. Store hearts in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Makes about 288 hearts.

Approximate nutritional values per serving (12 hearts):
88 Calories, 0g Fat (0g Saturated), 0mg Cholesterol,
13mg Sodium, 22g Carbohydrates, 0g Fiber, 0g Protein