Gummy candy, HELP!

[awesomeapril]

I have been looking for a good gummy bear/worm recipe that is a cooked sugar base. I've looked around on the internet, but have only found recipes that are basically a jello with a lot of extra gelatin (not the real thing!). Can anyone help me out or point me in the right direction?

[ChefToddMohr]

While I don't have a specific recipe for gummy worms, I have done a decent amount of sugar work in the past.

It seems to me that the key to this type of product is the temperature to which you boil the sugar. I'm sure additives like gelatin and glycerine are needed to make the item a little softer and less sticky. You'll probably add coloring and flavoring as well, so experimenting is key.

For gummy candy, boil the sugar to "soft ball" stage at 240f/115c. Start with 1 pound of sugar and 1 pint of water. Boil the sugar until all water evaporates (you'll see the bubbles get smaller and multiply). Be sure to wash the sides of your pan down with a pastry brush dipped in water. If the sugar crystallizes on the side of the pan from cooling, then touches your syrup, you'll have crunchy candy instead.

Sugar work is an art onto itself, and sugar can be very unforgiving. This is something that will take a few practice tries on your part, but you'll eventually get it with some simple observations and notes.

The most important thing - a good candy thermometer. 5 degrees will change the sugar syrup dramatically.

[Big Daddy's House]

Why not just BUY the gummy worms, instead of going though all this trouble trying to make them?

[samue1eb]

There is a recipe for gummy bears in the Ultimate Candy Book, see if you can find it at your library or on Amazon.

[awesomeapril]

Thanks all!

I'm making them my self because I love to work with sugar and don't get a lot of opportunities to make cooked sugar confections at work. Plus, why not?

I will be sure to look up that book. I love making my own candies.