I’ve tried a couple recipes with gelatin – some hits and some misses, but I’m trying to experiment with gelatin as a digestive healing aid. I wouldn’t label myself as strictly vegan or paleo or grain-free but I have dabbled in these types of diets and enjoy the recipes. I have quinoa and rice on occasion, eat fish at times and occasionally chicken or turkey creeps into meals, but overall I really like dairy-free vegetarian options based on the way my body feels. Some days I feel like my body is screaming for some eggs or extra protein so I’ll listen to it accordingly. When I am craving chocolate, I find a way to get some chocolate…and no matter how I eat, my sweet tooth creeps up and I give in a little.

This recipe is super quick to whip up, the hardest part is waiting for it to “gel” in the fridge…ahhhh patience! It’s perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven and bake something…and while I love my frozen desserts, this treat is a fun change of pace.

I made a “blueberry jello” using Great Lakes Gelatin the other week, no pictures to share because it disappeared before I got the chance –how did THAT happen? 😉 I enjoyed the texture and have been experimenting with a few gelatin ideas – one being these mini gummy cups and “gello” that I whipped up. I bought a bottle of Kevita Coconut Lime Mojito sparkling probiotic drink, without noticing the “sparkling part”…while I enjoy Kombucha and sparkling water on occasion, I prefer straight water or brewed herbal tea. Soooo….after tasting a sip, I wanted to repurpose my purchase…gello/gummies it was!

I added a squeeze of lime to bump up the flavor along with vanilla, a smidge of stevia and powdered gelatin in my Vitamix and gave it a whirl. Bubbly drinks and blending make for even more bubbles, resulting in a fizz fiasco…. can you see the layers in these little cups? Whoops…reminds me of a cold frosty drink yet it adds to the texture. However, this was a spontaneous experiment success AND my sweet tooth was satisfied 🙂

Coconut Mojito Healing Gummies or “Gello”
Grain-free, Gluten-free, Sugar-free, Soy-free, Nut-free, Nightshade-free, Dairy-free, Paleo-friendly, Egg-free, No-bake

Ingredients

3 Tbsp coconut milk, slightly warmed
3-4 Tbsp powdered gelatin* (see note below – use red can Great Lakes gelatin for it’s gel-ling properties)
16 drops liquid stevia or a pinch of powdered stevia to taste (could add 2 Tbsp liquid sweetener instead if desired)
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
fresh squeezed juice from 1 lime
1 (16 oz) bottle Kevita Coconut Lime Mojito probiotic drink (can use other flavors but will alter the taste)

For serving if making “gello” cups (completely optional but for added texture)
zest from lime
shredded unsweetened coconut (toasted or raw)
coconut whipped cream (for dairy free whipped topping)
diced or chopped fresh fruit of choice (mango, pineapple, kiwi would all be good)

Directions

1. Add coconut milk, gelatin, stevia/sweetener, vanilla, 1/2 bottle of Kevita and lime juice to a blender. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp gelatin over the top and let it moisten or “bloom”. Add remainder of the Kevita bottle and sprinkle the remaining 1-2 Tbsp gelatin* (see note) on top and let sit until moistened, about 30 seconds to a minute.
2. Blend for 30 seconds on high until completely smooth and no lumps.
3. Pour into individual silicon molds and/or 4 ramekins and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
4. Enjoy as is or add fresh fruit/coconut/coconut cream etc and serve!

*Note: If you want a firmer texture, use 4 Tbsp for gummies (pictured above). For a less firm texture like jello, then use 3 Tbsp.
These aren’t crazy sweet so bump up the sweetener if you prefer, and add to taste.
For vegans/vegetarians, I have not tried this with agar powder or flakes. If you give this a whirl, let me know how it turns out!