gummy robots

On Sunday I hosted a baby shower for our daughter, Laura.  It was a stunning day and the event was a huge success; lots of laughter and mini conversations all about the momma-to-be.  Laura is expecting a boy!

Our party planning discussions included gummy bears.  The thing was, though, the gummies we wanted weren’t available. We crossed it off the list but in the back of my mind I wondered how difficult it would be to make them.  Searching the web for recipes I found one that seemed plausible.  I originally was going to make just gummy bears but found this adorable robot mould.  I kid you not, I squealed with glee when I popped the gummy robots out of their moulds!

If you have been following my blog, I seldom post about candy so this is a big deal for me.  Even more stoked when my good friend Jenn (candy connoisseur) asked if I considered making these as a little business…that’s how delicious these gummies are.  Umm, no thanks! 🙂

you will need

1 box Jell-O Gelatin dessert powder (your choice of flavour)
1 Knox unflavored gelatin packet
1/4 teaspoon citric acid
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup water

method

Stir to combine Jell-O, unflavored gelatin, and citric acid in a medium microwave-safe bowl.  Add the corn syrup and water.  Use a spoon to gently stir until all of the ingredients are blended. Do not stir vigorously as this will add air bubbles to the mixture – gummy robots don’t look nice with bubbles!  Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes. Stir the syrup gently again, then microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir it again, then zap it for another 15 seconds. Repeat heating it for 15 seconds 3 more times for a total heating time of 1 1/2 minutes.

If air bubbles begin to form on the surface of the syrup, stop heating and stir gently. You don’t want any bubbles in the syrup if you can help it. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. Give the solution a gentle stir every couple of minutes and you should see the syrup become clearer over time.

Lightly oil the moulds.  Pour the syrup into a measuring cup with a spout and slowly pour the liquid into the moulds. Let the candy sit for 30 minutes at room temperature, then put the molds into your refrigerator for another 30 minutes.

When the candy is firm, push each piece out of the moulds and place it upright on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let sit for 48 hours, then lay them on their backs for 24 hours. This process will help the bears dehydrate so that they are chewy like the store-bought version. Depending on your climate, your gummy bears may have shrunken enough after 72 hours. If not, leave them out for another day or two, until they are chewy. Toss them around every so often as they dry out. When they are chewy enough for you, seal them up in an air-tight covered container. When stored in a sealed container they should last for a couple of weeks.

the culinary chase’s note:

The citric acid gives the gummies a slight tart taste (add more if you like a sour gummy) and the corn syrup helps eliminate any crystallization that might occur.  If short on time, coat gummies in superfine sugar. Enjoy!