Witch's Creepy Crawlers
Transform your Halloween festivities with these spooktacular Witch's Creepy Crawlers! Perfect for parties and trick-or-treaters, these playful gelatin worms are a must-have treat this spooky season. Made with raspberry or grape gelatin, they are not only fun to look at but also deliciously sweet. The addition of whipping cream gives them a creamy texture that'll thrill your taste buds. These edible 'worms' are sure to be a hit whether you're serving them at a haunted house party or just enjoying a fun night in with family and friends. Get ready for some ghostly fun!
100
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
raspberry or grape gelatin powder
1 (6 ounce) package (Choose your preferred flavor.)
unflavored gelatin
3 (1/4 ounce) envelopes (None)
boiling water
3 cups (Boil water until bubbling.)
flexible plastic straws
100 (None)
tall slender container
1 (A 4-cup capacity container, same height as the extended straws.)
whipping cream
3/4 cup (None)
green food coloring
12-15 drops (None)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the raspberry (or grape) gelatin powder and the unflavored gelatin.
2
Pour the boiling water over the gelatin mixture and stir continuously until all the gelatin is completely dissolved.
3
Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm, about 20 minutes. This is important for a smooth texture.
4
While the gelatin cools, gently extend the flexible plastic straws to their full length and place them upright in a tall, slender container.
5
Once the gelatin is lukewarm, blend in the whipping cream and the green food coloring until evenly mixed.
6
Carefully pour the gelatin mixture into the tall container, filling the straws until nearly full.
7
Refrigerate the container until the gelatin is firm, which may take at least 8 hours or up to 2 days if covered.
8
When ready to serve, carefully remove the straws from the container. If using a carton, gently tear the carton away.
9
To release the worms, run hot tap water over 3 to 4 straws for about 2 seconds to loosen the gelatin. Then, starting from the empty ends, use a rolling pin or your fingers to gently push out the worms.
10
Lay the worms on waxed paper-lined baking sheets, and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They can be enjoyed straight from the fridge or at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Witch's Creepy Crawlers?
Witch's Creepy Crawlers are playful, edible gelatin worms made from raspberry or grape gelatin, unflavored gelatin, and whipping cream, shaped using flexible straws.
What flavor of gelatin is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using one 6-ounce package of either raspberry or grape gelatin powder to achieve a dark, worm-like color.
How many envelopes of unflavored gelatin are required?
You will need 3 envelopes (1/4 ounce each) of unflavored gelatin to give the worms the necessary firmness.
How much boiling water is used to dissolve the gelatin?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of boiling water to ensure the gelatin powder and unflavored gelatin dissolve completely.
Why is whipping cream added to the gelatin mixture?
Whipping cream is added to give the worms a creamy texture and an opaque appearance, making them look more realistic.
What is the purpose of the green food coloring?
Adding 12 to 15 drops of green food coloring helps achieve a more complex and 'creepy' color for the worms.
How many straws are needed for this recipe?
The recipe is designed for approximately 100 flexible plastic straws.
What kind of container should I use to hold the straws?
Use a tall, slender container with a 4-cup capacity that is the same height as the extended straws to keep them upright.
Do I need to extend the straws before filling them?
Yes, you should gently extend the flexible portion of the straws to their full length before placing them in the container.
How long should the gelatin mixture cool before adding the cream?
The mixture should cool for about 20 minutes until it is lukewarm before blending in the whipping cream and food coloring.
What is the chilling time for the gelatin worms?
The worms need to refrigerate until firm, which takes at least 8 hours, though they can stay in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How do I remove the worms from the straws?
Run hot tap water over the outside of the straws for about 2 seconds to loosen the gelatin, then push them out using your fingers or a rolling pin.
Can I use a rolling pin to extract the worms?
Yes, starting from the empty end of the straw, you can use a rolling pin to gently squeeze the worms out onto a surface.
How should the finished worms be stored?
Store the worms on waxed paper-lined baking sheets in the refrigerator, keeping them covered until you are ready to serve.
How long can the worms stay at room temperature?
The worms can be enjoyed at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Is this recipe suitable for a Halloween party?
Yes, these 'Creepy Crawlers' are specifically designed as a spooktacular treat for Halloween parties and trick-or-treaters.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe yields approximately 100 individual gelatin worms.
What happens if I don't use unflavored gelatin?
The unflavored gelatin provides the extra structural integrity needed to remove the worms from the straws without them breaking.
Can I use a different flavor of gelatin besides raspberry or grape?
While raspberry and grape provide the intended 'earthworm' color, you can experiment with other flavors, though the color will change.
Do I need to grease the straws?
No, greasing is not mentioned; the brief exposure to hot water is usually sufficient to release the gelatin.
Should the straws be packed tightly in the container?
Yes, placing them in a slender container helps keep them upright and packed together so the liquid stays inside the straws.
Is there a specific way to pour the mixture into the straws?
Carefully pour the mixture into the container so it fills the straws from the bottom up or top down until they are nearly full.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Candy and Dessert.
How many drops of green food coloring should I use?
The recipe suggests using 12-15 drops of green food coloring.
What type of milk product is used in the mixture?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of whipping cream.
Can I use a carton instead of a glass container?
Yes, if you use a carton, you can gently tear it away when the gelatin is firm to make removing the straws easier.
Can the worms be made two days in advance?
Yes, the gelatin can be refrigerated for up to 2 days if kept covered in the container.
Should I stir the gelatin continuously?
Yes, stir continuously after adding boiling water until all the gelatin is completely dissolved.
What should the worms be laid on once removed?
They should be laid on baking sheets lined with waxed paper.
Are these worms served cold?
They are best enjoyed straight from the fridge or within 2 hours of being at room temperature.