Kool-Aid Gummy Ropes

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
• ¼ cup cold water
• 1 packet unsweetened Kool-Aid (cherry, grape, blue raspberry, tropical punch, or your favorite flavor)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
• Food coloring, optional
• Cornstarch for dusting

Instructions

1. 

   1

   Bloom the gelatin. In a small bowl, combine the gelatin and ¼ cup cold water. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until fully hydrated.

2. 

   2

   Prepare the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, ¼ cup water, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.

3. 

   3

   Add the flavoring. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin, Kool-Aid powder, optional lemon juice, and food coloring, if using. Stir until completely smooth.

4. 

   4

   Pour and chill. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased parchment-lined 8-inch square pan. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until firm.

5. 

   5

   Cut into strips. Turn the gummy slab onto a lightly cornstarch-dusted surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into long strips.

6. 

   6

   Twist into ropes. Lightly dust the strips with cornstarch if needed. Twist each strip into a rope shape and place on a parchment-lined tray.

7. 

   7

   Dry and store. Allow the ropes to air-dry for about 4 hours to develop a chewier texture. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.