Dad's Recipes
The recipes herein marked with a "thumbs up" have been tried and are recipes that I use.
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Making Jello
Recommended Gelatin Powder
Resources: Mercury in Fish
Where to Buy
Trustworthy Salmon
Making Gummies
Types of Molds
Nonstick Food Safe Silicone vs Platinum Silicone for Gummies
It’s important to note that not all silicone molds are the same. In fact, there are multiple types of silicone used in the production of candy molds (and even more types in other non food safe products). So what is platinum silicone
Food Grade Silicone Molds and BPA Free Non-Stick Silicone Candy Molds
Food Grade Silicone is designed specifically for products that come into contact with food. All food-grade silicone is free of BPA, BPS, and other phthalates. It's also free of latex and other chemical additives. Food-grade silicone is a durable, non-toxic, tasteless material that has stable chemical properties, and can withstand high temperatures up to 220° F. This makes it ideal for kitchenware like chocolate molds and of course gummy molds. If you want to be technical, food-grade silicone is a stable inorganic polymer colloid material formed by polycondensation of silicic acid, but the important part is that FDA regulations for food grade silicone require it to:
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Be resistant to chemicals and animal fat
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Be waterproof
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Be non-toxic
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Be tasteless
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Have stable chemical properties
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Not react with any acid and alkali salts under normal conditions, except for caustic alkali and hydrofluoric acid
Normally this kind of silicone is peroxide-cured. This means that it use peroxide as a catalyzer during the curing process.
Platinum Silicone is made by curing silicon dioxide through high-temperature platinum, which acts as a catalyst. It has all the same health benefits as Yes, food-grade silicone, but this platinum curing process grants the material enhanced thermal stability, and chemical inertness, allowing it to endure a wide temperature range (approximately -40°C to 230°C, with some types withstanding up to 260°C). Its stability and lack of metal content make it highly suitable for medical and food applications due to its safety and durability. Platinum silicone is considered safe and non-toxic, making it ideal for use in food-grade and medical products. Its high stability means it doesn't release harmful chemicals even when exposed to extreme temperatures. It's also non-reactive with most substances, ensuring that it won't leach chemicals into food or degrade when in contact with various chemicals. The only downside is that the manufacturing process and high-quality materials can make platinum silicone products more expensive than those made from regular silicone.
Differences in Performance of Platinum Silicone
Platinum silicone outperforms regular silicone in several key areas due to its enhanced properties:
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Temperature Resistance: It can safely be used in a broader range of temperatures without deforming or breaking down.
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Chemical Stability: More resistant to chemicals, it doesn't react with food or body fluids, making it safer for medical and food use.
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Durability: Its resistance to wear and tear from cleaning agents and everyday use makes it a more durable option for kitchenware and medical devices.
In summary, platinum silicone offers significant advantages in safety, performance, and durability over regular food-grade silicone, justifying its use in applications where quality and safety are paramount. However, its higher cost might not be necessary for all uses, making food-grade silicone a sufficient choice for less demanding applications.
Types of Molds for Gummy Candy
#1. Silicone Molds
Silicone molds are a popular choice for gummy candy making due to their flexibility and durability. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from simple bears and worms to intricate designs. Silicone molds are easy to use and release the gummies cleanly.
#2. Plastic Molds
Plastic molds are another option for gummy candy making. They are typically less expensive than silicone molds and can withstand higher temperatures. However, plastic molds may not be as flexible, and some gummies may stick to the mold.
#3. Metal Molds
Metal molds are the most durable and long-lasting option. They can be used to make gummies with intricate details and are suitable for large-scale production. However, metal molds can be more expensive and require special care to prevent rust.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mold
1. Shape and Size: Consider the desired shape and size of your gummies. Molds are available in a variety of options, including bears, stars, worms, and even custom shapes.
2. Material: Choose a mold material that suits your needs. Silicone molds are flexible and easy to use, plastic molds are less expensive, and metal molds are durable and suitable for large-scale production.
3. Temperature Resistance: If you plan on using your mold for hot liquids or melting candy, ensure it can withstand high temperatures.
4. Ease of Use: Opt for a mold that is easy to fill and release. Some molds have built-in handles or release mechanisms for convenience.
5. Durability: Consider the durability of the mold. Silicone molds are known for their longevity, while plastic molds may be more susceptible to wear and tear.
Best Molds for Gummy Candy
Based on the factors discussed above, here are some of the best molds for gummy candy:
1. Wilton Silicone Bear Mold: This mold creates classic gummy bear shapes and is easy to use and clean.
2. OXO Good Grips Silicone Star Mold: This mold makes perfect star-shaped gummies and features a non-stick surface for easy release.
3. Norpro Plastic Worm Mold: This mold is ideal for making gummy worms and is made of durable plastic that can withstand high temperatures.
4. Nordic Ware Metal Gummy Bear Mold: This mold creates detailed gummy bears with a professional finish and is suitable for large-scale production.
5. CandyMolds Custom Silicone Mold: This company offers custom-made silicone molds, allowing you to create gummies in any shape or design you desire.
Camu Camu Powder
Organic Camu Camu Powder, 12 oz | High Natural Vitamin C Level | Fresh Freeze-Dried Berries Source | No GMOs, Vegan Friendly.
Premium non-GMO and non-irradiated camu camu supplement. Made without soy, dairy, gluten, fillers, preservatives, flavors, and tree nuts. Ingredients must pass our 3rd party lab tests to ensure a product that is safe, pure, and potent.
MicroIngredients: $29.95
Amazon: $23.99
If You Can't Make Your Own Gummies
Chewable Multivitamin with 15 essential vitamins & minerals to support immunity, growth, & development among kids.We take 15 essential vitamins and minerals and a blend of 12 fruits and veggies and turn them into one daily chewable to help fill in common nutritional gaps. Instead of added sugar, our sweetener blend includes monk fruit extract, a tropical melon 100 times sweeter than sugar, and mannitol, a sweetener also found in strawberries and pumpkins. Children’s vitamins no longer need added sugar to taste great.
How much do teens need?
Vit A: Males 900mcg, Females 700mcg
Vit C: Males 75mcg, Females 65mcg
Vit D: Males 15mg, Females 15mg
Vit E: Males 15mg, Females 15mg
Vit B1 Thiamin: Males 1.2mg, Females 1mg
Vit B2 Riboflavin: Males 1.3mg, Females 1mg
Vit B3 Niacin: Males 16mg, Females 14mg
Vit B5 Pantothenic: Males 5mg, Females 5mg
Vit B6: Males 1.3mg; Females 1.2mg
Vit B7 Biotin: Males 30mg; Females 30mg
Vit B9 Folate: Males 1.3mg; Females 1.2mg
Vit B12: Males 400mcg, Females 400mcg
Calcium: Males 1300mg; Females 1300mg
Iodine: Males 150mcg; Females 150mcg
Magnesium: Males 410mg; Females 360mg
Selenium: Males 55-mcg; Females 55mcg
Zinc: Males 15mg; Females 12mg
Key Elements
of a
Healthy Smoothie
As I mentioned, smoothies made with just fruit and juice are very high in sugar. Yes, it’s natural sugar, but still a lot of sugar in one drink. But fruit is also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. So to balance the smoothie I like to include the following:
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Fruit – for flavor and sweetness (plus nutrients)
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Protein – also important for balancing blood sugar and keeping you full. Ideas include nuts or nut butter, collagen (not gelatin which will make the smoothie gel), and seeds.
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Fat – helps balance blood sugar, keeps you full, and makes the smoothie creamy. Some ideas include avocados, coconut oil, butter, and nut butter.
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Non-juice liquid – I’m not a fan of juice since it’s all the sugar of fruit without the fiber (and is often pasteurized so there is little nutrition left). I prefer milk or non-dairy milk instead. It also helps make the smoothie creamy. Water is another choice that works fine when you include fatty ingredients.
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Greens – My smoothies tend to be more veggies than fruit. Add a handful of spinach or a scoop of greens powder to really up the nutritional content.