A while back, I decided I wanted to try and do something about my fragile fingernails. After some discussion and research, I got everything I needed to make my own gummies...
And then I got busy with school, holidays, more school... Yesterday, I marshaled the ingredients and whipped up a batch. When I was done and tasting, I wondered what had taken me so long. This wasn't hard - a little harder than making jello, but the flavor is so much better and less sugar - and they gelled up in no time.
I'd picked up some silicon molds cheaply, and they worked perfectly for these little candies. Ok, not candy. Snack? Supplement is the wrong word, it implies too much. Anyway, the robots were super cute and I probably have to get another of that mold.
Robot Gummies! Ok, I'm a grown woman but these make me happy.
I did decide I have to try more recipes, but this was the first effort.
Spiced Coconut Gummies
1 can coconut milk (mine was 12 oz)
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp fresh ginger, crushed finely
1/4 c plain gelatin
Ingredients - the lime juice was a good addition to add some acid.
In a saucepan, heat the coconut milk, spice, honey, and lime juice to a boil. Slowly whisk in the gelatin powder, going slowly to keep it from clumping of frothing up. Continue to stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Pour the gelatin in slowly while stirring. Transfer to something with a pour-spout, I used a 2 cup pyrex measuring cup. Carefully pour the hot liquids into the silicon molds. You can leave them to cool on the counter, but I put mine into the refrigerator and they were solid in about 30 minutes. Remove from molds. Store in the refrigerator.
The mixture will shrink a little on cooling, so you can fill them very full.
These are not as gummy as gummy bears. There is a certain unctuousness to them which is either from the coconut milk fats, or the gelatin. I'll make another batch with juice and berries today and see... I also plan to add more gelatin as I like them chewier.
Coconut gummies! The cardamom and lime juice really add a lot of flavor, and these aren't like anything you could buy.
Updated to add:
Berry Gummies
1 c frozen strawberries, thawed
1 c pink grapefruit juice, fresh squeezed
1/2 c plain gelatin
1 tbsp honey
In a blender liquefy the berries with the juice and honey. Heat this mixture to a boil on the stove in a non-stick saucepan. Slowly whisk in the gelatin powder, stir and keep at a boil until all the gelatin is dissolved. Carefully pour into molds, chill for about 30 minutes in the fridge, then remove from molds.
Notes - much better ratio of gelatin, these still aren't as gummy as gummy bears, but have more 'bite' than the coconut ones. The unctuousness of the fats is missing. I could have omitted the honey, they would have been tart but I like tart. You could do this with any berries and citrus juice, although I'd omit the sweetener with pink grapefruit or orange juices, and keep it in with lemon or lime. You can taste while it's hot and get a good feel for adjusting the flavoring.
Pink Strawberry Grapefruit Gummies