Earthworms or gummy worms are delicious treats, irresistible and hideous at the same time; you can use them to decorate a Halloween pudding, ice cream or you can eat them as they are. Preparing them at home is fun, it allows you to save money compared to buying them in stores and you can customize their color and flavor.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Mix the Ingredients
Step 1. Mix the juice with the sugar and gelatin
Pour 250ml of fruit juice with four packs of powdered gelatin and two level tablespoons of sugar.
- A thin juice such as apples and cranberries, grapes or just blueberries is fine.
- If you want to make a healthier version, don't use sugar; gummy earthworms don't have to be sweet.
- For a low-sugar dessert, you can alternatively use sugar-free powders for flavored jellies.
- You can use Kool-Aid of any flavor you like to get worms of different colors and flavors, but this is an optional ingredient.
Step 2. Add the boiling water
Bring 250ml of water to a boil on the stove and pour it over the mixture. Stir until the gelatin has dissolved completely; the liquid should be smooth and thick.
Step 3. Incorporate the cream
If you want to make opaque worms, pour in about two tablespoons of cream or a tablespoon of milk and one of cream while stirring the mixture.
If you prefer translucent treats, avoid the latter ingredient; in this case, it is recommended to use a slightly higher dose of fruit juice
Part 2 of 2: Modeling the Earthworms
Step 1. Create the mold
Place about 50 large straws in a straight-sided jar, such as a one-liter jam jar.
- Large diameter straws, such as those for smoothies, are best suited.
- You may need to use a rubber band to keep them together and upright.
- If necessary, use more than one jar.
Step 2. Prepare a cold water bath
Place the jar in a container, such as a baking dish, into which you have poured 5 cm of water and ice.
Step 3. Pour in half of the mixture
Transfer it carefully and evenly into the straws, filling them about 5 cm.
Step 4. Add the food coloring
If you want multicolored treats, similar to commercial ones, pour a few drops of dye into the remaining jelly.
If you don't care that earthworms are colored, you can skip this step and pour all of the mixture into the straws
Step 5. Wait before continuing to pour
Wait about 10-20 minutes for the gelatin in the straws to solidify; when it has hardened, you can pour the rest of the mixture, trying to distribute it as evenly as possible.
Step 6. Let the earthworms solidify overnight
Remove the jar from the cold water bath and transfer it to the refrigerator overnight.
Step 7. Take the straws out of the jar
This could be a tricky operation due to the excess gummy jelly that has collected at the bottom.
You can slide a knife blade along the outer edge of the straws to make it easier to remove
Step 8. Discard the excess solidified gelatin
Use the knife to scrape it off the edges and ends of the straws; it should come off without any difficulty.
This substance is not shaped like earthworms, but it is still delicious, don't waste it
Step 9. Remove earthworms from straws
Use your fingers or a rolling pin to squeeze the contents, starting with the empty end and moving downwards.
If you put the straws under running hot water for a few seconds, the operation is easier; however, do not expose the sweets to heat for too long, otherwise they will melt
Step 10. Eat and store them
Enjoy some worms! Those that you do not consume immediately should be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
To make sure they don't stick to each other, you can grease them with a little oil; shake them a little and place them in the refrigerator
Advice
- For a realistic result, use collapsible straws. The knurled part gives the worms the classic segmented appearance; alternatively, you can buy special molds in craft shops.
- Vegetarians and vegans can also enjoy these treats! If so, use 90g of agar powder instead of gelatin. You can find this product in ethnic shops and better-stocked supermarkets; remember to use the powder format and not the flaky one.
- Adults can make candies with their favorite liquor. Just pour the alcohol into a bowl together with the finished earthworms submerging them entirely; only a small layer of liquid should remain on the surface. Leave them to infuse for 5-8 hours, but no longer, otherwise they lose their shape.
- When finished, return the molds to the refrigerator to cool the jelly quickly or simply leave them on the table or kitchen counter.
