Sundays with Sparky - Homemade Gummy Worms

Part two of our Halloween special: homemade candy, specifically, everyone's favorite - gummy worms!  The recipe is pretty simple:

4 packets unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup and 1/3 cup light-colored fruit juice (e.g. orange juice,) divided
1/4 cup and 1/3 cup light-colored fruit juice (e.g. grape juice,) divided
6 tablespoons sugar, divided
2 tablespoons corn syrup, divided
2 tablespoons maple syrup, divided
Demerara sugar

Ice "stick" tray or loaf pan (we had better success with the ice stick tray)

Pour 2 packets of gelatin into a small container and mix with the 1/4 cup of OJ.  Do the same in a separate container for the grape juice and remaining gelatin.  Set aside for 5 minutes.

In a small saucepan, combine 1/3 cup OJ, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon of corn syrup, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.  Whisk over low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.  Add the OJ/gelatin mixture, stir until dissolved and remove from heat.  Prop your ice stick tray or loaf pan on one side and pour the OJ mixture into the tray so that it fills at an angle; place propped mold into refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Prepare the grape juice and remaining sweeteners and gelatin in the same manner.  Allow to cool to room temperature.  After the OJ mixture has set slightly, remove the prop and allow the mold to sit flat; pour the grape mixture into the mold.  Refrigerate for one hour.

For the loaf pan, we tried a couple different methods of cutting the gummies into strips; we found that the ice stick molds worked much better.  To remove or cut the gummies, heat your knife or cutting implement in hot water.  Roll unmolded gummies in demerara sugar and enjoy!.

Mmmmm....worms....