Carolina Reaper Gummies

Recipe courtesy of Stephanie Boswell

Watch how to make this recipe.

Level: Advanced
Yield: about 100 gummies
Total: 8 hr 20 min (includes chilling time)
Active: 20 min

Dare to ignite your taste buds? If chicken wings feel too mild, unleash the fury with these blistering gummy treats fueled by Carolina Reaper peppersthe world's second-hottest, delivering a scorching thrill that'll test even the boldest palates. Proceed with caution: this fiery challenge is not for the faint-hearted!

Gummies:

44 grams powdered gelatin (1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon)
Nonstick cooking spray, for the molds
228 grams sugar (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons)
228 grams glucose syrup (3/4 cup)
28 grams sorbitol (1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon)
1 to 3 tablespoons Carolina Reaper paste (pureed Carolina Reaper peppers), powder or dried peppers ground in a food processor, or adjust to desired spiciness (see Cook's Note)
2 teaspoons citric acid
1/8 teaspoon cherry extract, or adjust to preference
Red or preferred color food coloring, as needed

Coating:

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup citric acid

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Special equipment:
three 40-cavity silicone mini skull molds (each cavity about 1 inch long by 3/4 inch wide); food prep gloves; an eye cover

For the gummies: Combine the gelatin with 150 grams water (2/3 cup) in a medium bowl and let it bloom for about 3 minutes.
Spray three 40-cavity silicone mini skull molds lightly with cooking spray and wipe off any excess. Set them upside down to help with drainage.
In a medium pot, combine the sugar, glucose syrup, and sorbitol, then bring to a boil. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully incorporated. Take off the heat and mix in the Carolina Reaper paste or powder, citric acid, cherry extract, and food coloring. Whisk thoroughly. Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes; you'll notice some white foam rising. Strain it to eliminate foam, pepper bits, or seeds.
Fill the prepared molds with the mixture and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours.
For the coating: Mix the sugar and citric acid in a medium bowl. Pop the set gummies out of the molds and toss them in the sugar mixture for that tangy finish! Dig in and conquer the heat!

When working with Carolina Reaper peppers, paste, or powder, wear food prep gloves and an eye cover to prevent skin or eye irritation, and wash hands well afterward.

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