How to Make Homemade Gummi Bears

Homemade gummi bears are the handmade solution to the age old problem - what do I do when I run out?  Gummi bears have been a favorite candy for people around the world for a long time, and it is really quite simple to produce them at home in a variety of different flavors.  All it takes is a little time, a few simple ingredients, and a sweet tooth to produce your very own homemade gummi bears that are every bit as satisfying as the ones you buy in the store.

1. Mix 1 small box of Jello and 7 envelopes of homemade gelatin in a small saucepan.  This will make up the "body" of your homemade gummi bears.  Just choose a Jello flavor that you like, as it will be the only flavoring we will be adding.
2. Stir 1/2 cup of water into the gelatin mixture.  If it forms a dry, lumpy mess, you're doing it just right.
3. Put the pan over medium low heat on your cooktop.
4. Stir the gelatin mixture the entire time, but not too fast.  If you whip the mixture or work it too fast, your homemade gummi bears will become frothy due to the high protein content of the gelatin.  Just stir slowly over low heat and it will all melt down and smooth out within a few minutes.  Be careful that you do not let it come to a boil, as this will damage the gelatin.
5. When everything has smoothed out, pour the mixture into candy molds.  To take full advantage of the experience of homemade gummi bears, you will ideally have molds in the shape of bears, but stars or trains or frogs taste just as good.
6. Put the filled molds in the freezer for ten minutes.  This will allow the gelatin to set up firm and cool down enough for consumption.
7. Remove your homemade gummi bears from the molds and enjoy.  Unlike storebought candy, these will grow mold if left for a long time because they contain no preservatives, but odds are they won't last long enough to go bad.