I hated EVERYTHING about these nasty worms! The look…the texture…Gross. (I’m a texture snob)
However, my kids thought it was a HUGE hit. Proof in the picts below!
I’ve seen these yucky jello worms floating around pinterest and decided they would make a perfect addition to our annual Spooky Halloween Dinner. We HAD to give them a try.
We followed the original recipe from Mels Kitchen Cafe and followed tips from The Craft Patch. Mel gives great directions and even has a step by step picture tutorial. I suggest you make them just as she says. Mine did not turn out picture perfect…#1 My kids helped #2 We forgot to open up the bendable part of the straw which gives the “accordian like” texture of real earthworms. Other then that….they were fun to try.
- 1 pkg. (6 oz) red gelatin/jello (we used cherry..next time I’d use strawberry because of the color)
- 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
- 3 cups boiling water
- ¾ cup whipping cream
- green food coloring, as needed
- 100+ plastic straws with bendable necks
- Choose a container that can hold at least 4 cups of liquid. It should be completely straight all the way up
- Extend each straw
- Pack the straws in as tightly as you can.
- Put a few elastic bands around the custer of straws to help hold them together.
- Make sure the straws are flush with the bottom of the container.
- Be sure to put the straws bendable neck DOWN.
- In a medium heat safe mixing bowl (one with a pourable edge is best), stir together the plain and flavored gelatin powders.
- Pour the boiling water over the gelatin, stirring until it is fully dissolved.
- Allow the gelatin to cool for about 15 minutes, until it is slightly warm but not beginning to set.
- Stir in the whipping cream.
- Stir in a few drops of green food coloring until you get the desired color.
- Carefully pour the jello mixture over the prepped straws.
- Jello seeping up the sides of the container is perfectly normal, as long as your straws are tightly packed in and flush with the bottom they will fill with jello.
- Chill for about 8 hours.
- Once the jello has set, carefully squeeze the jello out of the straws.
- Be prepared to be grossed-out!
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
