Gelatin does a body good—the amino acids found in the binder, like proline and glycine, are great for strengthening nails, hair and skin. They also improve digestion, lubricate joints, support appropriate sleep and energy, encourage muscle maintenance and growth, and have anti-aging benefits. Proline also works to prevent arteriosclerosis and promotes wound healing and tissue repair. If that list doesn’t convince you, how about this? It makes for a primary ingredient in a fun and easy homemade sweet snack. Forget the commercial Jellos and gummy bears—choosing grass-fed gelatin in the purest form is the way to go. I used Vital Proteins gelatin powder, which is produced right here in Illinois. Instead of biting your nails on Election Day, you can make these red, white and blue gelatin-based gummies for a healthy and patriotic choice.
Berry Gummies (I did one version with blueberries, one with raspberries; adapted from Autoimmune Paleo)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup berries
- 2 TBSP maple syrup
- 5 TBSP gelatin
- 1/8-1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup water
Directions:
- Blend liquid and berries in a blender until smooth.
- Mix gelatin into the mixture and let sit until slightly gel-like.
- Move into pan and heat over a low flame on the stove until gelatin is blended well.
- Pour into silicone molds or in an ice cube tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Pop out of mold or cut and enjoy!
Coconut version (adapted from Coconut Mama):
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 TBSP maple syrup
- 3 TBSP gelatin
- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
- Dash of cinnamon or to taste
Directions:
- Mix 1/2 cup of coconut milk with maple syrup and vanilla
- Add gelatin to the coconut milk and let it soak until it gels
- Heat the remaining 1/2 cup of coconut milk over a pan on low heat. Do not boil, but gently heat.
- Pour the coconut milk over the gelatin mixture
- Mix ingredients together
- Pour into molds or ice cube tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Pop out of mold or cut and enjoy!
