by Cristi Schwamb

To make 80-100 edible earthworms, you will need plastic drinking straws with the bendy top make realistic worm ridges. If using them, extend the straws to the full length.

Recipe:

One  6-ounce package  raspberry flavored gelatin dessert mix
3  envelopes  plain gelatin
3  cups  boiling water
3/4  cup  coconut milk*
a few drops green food coloring (to give the worms a more realistic brownish-red color)

Gather drinking straws and place in a tall container. I used a large cup, but an empty quart or half-gallon juice carton would work well too.

Empty flavored and plain gelatin into a large bowl. Add boiling water. Stir several minutes, until fully dissolved. Let cool slightly (approximately 15-20 minutes).

Add a few drops of green food coloring to the coconut milk to make it light green. Add coconut milk mixture to cooled gelatin mixture.

Fill drinking straws and container. Let cool in refrigerator for at least 8 hours.

Working with one straw at a time, squeeze from the top and move your fingers down the length of the straw to push the worm onto a plate.

Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

*I used coconut milk, but I think any alternative milk would work. The milk makes the worms appear more opaque and worm-like. Depending on which milk you choose, this recipe can be milk, egg, soy, nut, fish, and gluten-free.

It is unknown if this will mixture will set up well enough with all-vegetarian gelatin (agar agar).

Cristi Schwamb has been a volunteer for Kids With Food Allergies Foundation for 8 years.  She is a mother to three children and has managed various food allergies.