Old Fashioned Horehound Drops

Source: Unknown to me.

Ingredients:

2 oz. dried horehound leaves (or 6 oz. fresh leaves)

3 c. very hot water

3 1/2 pounds brown sugar

2 t. peppermint extract

Directions:

Pour the hot water over the horehound leaves. Steep for 30 minutes, while keeping on very low heat. Strain. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve completely. Bring to a boil and continue boiling until mixture reaches 295 degrees (the temperature for brittle candy). Add the peppermint, then drop the mixture quickly on a buttered board, half a teaspoon at a time, or pour into a shallow, buttered pan and cut into squares before it completely hardens.