Squiggly Gelatin Worms

Makes 100; prep time, about 15 minutes (plus overnight chilling)

Ingredients:
1 package (6-ounce) raspberry or grape flavor gelatin
3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
3 cups boiling water
100 flexible plastic straws
1 tall container (same height as extended straws) that can hold 4 cups
3/4 cup whipping cream
12 to 15 drops green food coloring (or 7 drops yellow, 7 drops blue)

Directions:
1. In a bowl, combine gelatins. Add boiling water and stir until the gelatins completely dissolve. Chill until lukewarm, about 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, gently pull straws to extend to full length; place in a tall container.

3. Blend cream and food coloring with the lukewarm gelatin mixture. Pour into container, filling straws.

4. Chill until gelatin is firm, at least 8 hours, or cover and chill up to 2 days.

5. Pull straws from container (if using a carton, tear carton away from straws). Pull straws apart; run hot tap water for about two seconds over 3 to 4 straws at a time.

6. Starting at the empty ends, push worms from straws with rolling pin or use your fingers to push them out (like rolling a toothpaste tube). Lay worms on waxed paper-lined baking sheets.

7. Cover and chill until ready to use, at least 1 hour or up to 2 days. Worms will hold their shape at room temperature up to 2 hours.

Notes: Use a cleaned 1-quart milk or orange juice carton to hold straws upright as they fill. You can also use any color gelatin that you like!