Gummies, what is with the texture that people love so much. They have love hate relationship in our house…my kids love them- I hate what they do to their behaviour. My sweet children become children akin to zombie apocalypse after eating just a few.

I instantly became the evil no fun mom when I told them – no more. I lived half a school year with this banner over my head. My kids complained they were no longer cool. Then Christmas came. I knew I needed to find an alternative before they went back or I would be branded for life. The local store had organic juices on sale I picked up a few different flavours and some vegan gelatine Agar.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Galatians 5:22

A few test batches and one amazon delivery of silicone mould later- BINGO! Beautiful soft chewy gummies that the kids pop in their mouths. “Well -these are pretty good” Success. I am back in the good books. Best of all kids love to pick their own “flavours”.

It’s a super simple 1:1 ratio. 1 cup liquid to 1 TB agar agar powder. It is very versatile, but I still would still step away from tropical fruits – pineapple, kiwi, papaya, ginger root or guava – as enzymes in it may prevent it from setting.

I like to use the organic fruit & vegetable juice blends, I prefer to use pasteurized as I know they will last awhile for lunches. I have done so with great success. But really this can be done with any liquid. I have also made flavoured kombucha gummies in the past, as well as adult only wine gummies as gifts with the same recipe. **Can you say cheers!

Sometimes depending on flavours – like cranberry or vegetables you may feel like sweetening is required – simply add your desired sweetener. But sweeting is totally optional. It will not change the setting of the recipe by omitting it. I often do so for my children. Get creative – Sky is totally the limit.

Vegan Gummies

• 1 cup Liquid – Juice
• Up to 2 tbsp vegan sugar or Maple syrup (optional)
• 1 tbsp Agar agar powder

1. Put your mould into the freezer. Any mould such as chocolate or ice cube works well for this.
2. Mix all the ingredients together in a pan and whisk to dissolve the agar agar.
3. Bring to a simmer while stirring constantly.
4. Simmer for 3 mins and keep stirring to stop any lumps forming.
5. Take off the heat and leave to cool for 5 mins.
6. Pour into the mould and place in the freezer for 10 mins.
7. Pop the sweets out of the mould and either enjoy straight away or keep in the fridge and eat within a couple of days