As a grandma, I am always on the lookout for fun things to do with grandkids. One day I saw this gummy maker kit at CVS and had to have it. At the time, one of the grandkids was being potty trained and his parents were using gummy worms as a reward. I wanted to make a healthier version with fresh fruit juice. They were fun to make together before nap time and they went over well as an afternoon snack (and a reward for using the potty).
During kids garden workshops teaching about composting worms, I have made an organic version of “dirt cake” and purchased real fruit gummy worms. Now I can make my own in any flavor I want!
This Saturday, May 21st, as we are having our “Garden Friends” family fun day, I decided to add worms to the lady bug, butterfly and honeybee activities. With my love of trying to engage all of the senses when instructing, it is the perfect opportunity to “taste” worms. The recipe is easy and fast. Instructions in the kit even suggest adding vitamins, minerals or probiotics to the gummies for an added plus with kids. (Homemade gummy vitamins!)
- 4 packets unflavored gelatin (1 full box ~ about 1 ¼ oz. if using Great Lakes brand)
- *Note: I like using Great Lakes red can because I can add it cold and not have to boil mixture to loose nutritional value.
- ½ cup juice (I blended fresh strawberries, blue berries and ½ banana with unsweetened berry mix juice in my nutribullet for this mix)
- 2 Tbsp. honey (optional – I didn’t use any)
- Whisk together the juice, gelatin and honey (if using) and place in microwave for 2 minutes or until boiling. (No boiling necessary if using Great Lakes red can gelatin).
- Carefully pour mixture into molds and let chill until set.
- Remove from molds and store in covered container or bags in refrigerator.
