This is one of our EASIEST, and fun-est recipes, once you get a few basics mastered. Please read the notes at the bottom before you start. This is our "Version 1" which uses a small amount of dairy and non-vegetarian gelatin. This will work with our Gummy Kits, but you'll have too much for one tray. For our Gummy Kit Recipe, click here.

What You Need:

1/3 c Elderberry Apple Shots
2 Ice Cubes
3 sachets of unsweetened, unflavored gelatin (for example, Knox brand)
2 T sweetened, condensed milk (optional -- this is for a touch of added sweetness without too much liquid to dilute the gelatin)

Directions:

Pour Elderberry Apple Shots into your widest measuring cup and place the ice cubes in it so that the liquid reaches 1/2 cup measuring line. Let the ice cubes melt while you do something else.

Gradually sprinkle the gelatin on top to let it "bloom", or absorb the liquid. You don't want any dry spots of gelatin, they will stay globby in the final mixture. Wait 2 minutes.

Heat the liquid-gelatin mixture in a small saucepan or the microwave, stirring until the gelatin dissolves. Add in the sweetened condensed milk and stir. To preserve the nutrition of the elderberries, don't heat it too high or too long. Just until the gelatin is dissolved.

If you've used a saucepan to heat the liquid, transfer it back into your measuring cup or something with a spout. Pour the mixture into your molds.

They will set in the freezer in 20 minutes, in the fridge in an hour, and on the counter in a few hours.

Notes: The quantities in this recipe depends on the size and quantity of your candy molds. I use silicone molds for this recipe, as they are the easiest to work with -- the gummies pop right out with no mess to clean up -- and give lots of fine detail on the surface. I have also used metal lollipop molds. Flexible ice cube trays would probably work, too.

These gummies will melt in heat. It's a good idea to store them in the fridge in the summertime.

Here's an excellent article about How to Work with Gelatin.

Did you know gelatin has some positive effects in the body?

Organic sweetened condensed milk is available at specialty grocers.

I'd love to hear any comments, suggestions, or improvements to this recipe!