Forget buying these at the store. This recipe reigns supreme

Gummy bears, a staple of sweet treat jars and childhood memories alike, hail from Germany in the 1920s, thanks to confectioner Hans Riegel of Bonn. Since then, these chewy delights have traveled the world, capturing the hearts and taste buds of eager snackers everywhere. These little bears are a fun way to get creative in the kitchen, especially if you're aiming for a personal touch to your snacking or looking for a homemade treat that you can know contains all the good stuff, without any of the mysterious additives found in store-bought varieties. Making gummy bears at home also allows for customization in flavor and even the option to incorporate vitamins or supplements—an ideal perk for those conscious about their dietary intake.

Gummy bears are often enjoyed on their own, but they also make delightful complements to a candy mix or a whimsical garnish to desserts like ice cream sundaes or a frothy milkshake. For the adults, they can be soaked in your favorite spirits to create boozy gummies for a novel party treat.

Servings: Approximately 100 gummy bears (depending on mold size)

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin (about 2 packets)
- 1 package (3 oz) of flavored gelatin (your choice of flavor)
- Food coloring (optional, depending on the desired color)
- Silicone gummy bear molds

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, pour the cold water and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin on top. Allow it to bloom for about 5 minutes, which means the gelatin will absorb the water and expand.

2. After the gelatin has bloomed, heat the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin dissolves. It is crucial not to let it boil as this can affect the texture of the gummy bears.

3. Add the flavored gelatin to the saucepan and continue to stir until it's fully dissolved. If you're adding food coloring, do so at this stage, one drop at a time, until the desired color is achieved.

4. Once the mixture is smooth and fully combined, remove the saucepan from the heat.

5. Carefully pour the mixture into the silicone gummy bear molds. A dropper or a spouted measuring cup might be helpful to reduce spillage.

6. Let the gummy bear molds sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator to set for another 20 minutes.

7. Once set, gently pop the gummy bears out of the molds. They can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container.

Variations & Tips:

- For a vegan alternative, try using agar powder instead of gelatin, though the texture will differ and you may need to experiment with proportions.
- To infuse your gummy bears with a health boost, add a vitamin supplement to the mixture, although you should consult dosing requirements to ensure safety.
- Experiment with natural fruit juices and honey in place of the flavored gelatin for a more natural take on this treat, though be mindful that flavors may be subtler.
- If making adult-version gummy bears, soak the finished products in your choice of alcohol overnight, ensuring the gummies are fully submerged, and serve them with a warning label for an indulgent twist.

Remember that gummy bears are a fun and versatile canvas for your creative culinary impulses. Whether you're sticking to the classic recipe or branching out with personal tweaks, the result is sure to bring a touch of joy and a splash of color to your day. Happy crafting!