The 4th of July. America’s Independence Day! A time for family, parades, fireworks, BBQs, and lots of sugary 4th of July recipes! Right?

Not at the Mama Natural house 😉

Instead, I’m making a big batch of these kid-friendly gummy stars. My brother’s kids are coming into town over the holiday, and hopefully these sweet treats will help them forget about all the high fructose corn syrup.

Gelatin is a superfood

These stars taste great, and the kids will barely know that they’re eating a nutrient-dense food. Gelatin is a healing food for so many reasons (see all my gelatin posts here). Some of its top benefits include:

  • Improves digestion by drawing gastric juices to itself
  • Helps joint and cartilage health since it contains supportive proteins
  • Heals intestinal tract by coating and calming irritation and inflammation
  • Contains a wonderful amino acid balance not found in most protein sources

I’m loving the Vital Proteins brand because it’s derived from pastured-raised cattle. They also support animal well-being and sustainable eco-friendly practices. As their website says “Our happy cows openly graze on lush natural grass pastures providing the highest quality of protein.” This is also the only gelatin I’ve found that clearly states on packaging that its from “pastured-raised cattle,” an important distinction in my mind since cows are supposed to eat grass not grains!

OK, off my soapbox, without further adieu, here is the recipe.

4th of July Recipes: Gummy star ingredients

  • 12 oz. organic blueberries (I used frozen)
  • 12 oz. organic strawberries (I used frozen)
  • 8 oz. coconut milk
  • 10 oz. filtered water, divided
  • 11 TB gelatin (where to buy), divided
  • 5 TB maple syrup (where to buy), divided
  • Star gummy mold (where to buy)
Fourth of July Gummies Gelatin Treats ingredients

4th of July Recipes: Gummy star directions

Let your frozen berries totally defrost. Put the blueberries and 4 ounces of water into blender. Add 2 TB maple syrup. Blend well. Pour mixture through strainer or cheesecloth. Take your strained liquid and pour into a sauce pan. If you have 8 ounces of liquid, add 3 TB gelatin. If you’re able to get 12 ounces liquid, add 4 TB gelatin. Mix in gelatin until mostly dissolved. Then turn on low heat and keep stirring until gelatin is completely dissolved. Let cool slightly and pour into star mold. Put in refrigerator until your gellies set. You can also put in freezer for 5 minutes for a fast mold. Make 6 large stars.

Next, put your strawberries and 4 ounces of water into blender. Add 1 TB maple syrup and 4 ounces of water. Blend well. No need to strain mixture. Pour liquid into saucepan and add 4 TB of gelatin till mostly dissolved. Then turn on low heat and keep stirring until gelatin is completely dissolved. Let cool slightly and pour into star mold. Put in refrigerator until your jellies set. You can also put in freezer for 5 minutes for a fast mold. Makes 9 large stars.

* Keep in mind, you can use store bought organic blueberry and pomegranate juices for a short-cut alternative to the above jellies 🙂 You would still want to add the maple syrup as you need a sweeter liquid to offset the gelatin.

Then, put your coconut milk and 2 ounces of water into saucepan. Add 2 TB of maple syrup and 3 TB gelatin. Mix well. Then turn on low heat and stir until gelatin is completely dissolved. Let cool slightly and pour into star mold. Put in refrigerator until your gellies set. You can also put in freezer for 5 minutes for a fast mold. Makes 6 large stars.

ENJOY!

How about you?

What are your favorite healthy 4th of July recipes?

 

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