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Glowing Bouncy Balls


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including refrigeration time)

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of tonic water (this will give the glowing effect)

  • 1/2 cup of fruit juice (choose your favorite flavor)

  • 1 tablespoon of agar-agar powder (a vegetarian substitute for gelatin, creating the bouncy texture)

  • 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar (for sweetness)

  • 1/2 teaspoon of citric acid (for a slight tang, optional)

  • 1/4 cup of cornstarch (for thickening)

  • 1/4 cup of water (for dissolving the cornstarch)

  • A pinch of edible glitter (optional, for extra shimmer)


Instructions

Preparation: Step 1: Prepare the Glowing Liquid Mixture

Start by combining the tonic water and fruit juice in a mixing bowl. The tonic water is essential for the glowing effect, as it contains quinine, which reacts under UV light. For the best result, use a fruit juice that is clear or light in color, such as lemon, lime, or even pineapple juice. Stir gently to combine the two liquids.

Step 2: Dissolve the Agar-Agar Powder

In a small saucepan, add 1/2 cup of water and sprinkle the agar-agar powder over it. Turn the heat to medium and stir continuously until the agar-agar dissolves completely. You should see the mixture thicken after about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Agar-Agar with the Glowing Liquid

Once the agar-agar mixture has thickened, pour it into the glowing tonic and fruit juice mixture that you prepared earlier. Stir it well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Add Sweetener and Citric Acid

Stir in your choice of sweetener honey or sugar and a pinch of citric acid if you want to add a little tartness to the final flavor. Continue stirring until the sweetener has fully dissolved.

Step 5: Create the Bouncy Balls

Next, take a silicone mold or ice cube tray and lightly grease it with a tiny bit of vegetable oil or cooking spray. Pour the liquid mixture into each mold, filling them about three-quarters full. Be sure that the molds are at room temperature, as very cold molds can cause the mixture to set too quickly. Allow the liquid mixture to cool to room temperature.

Optional Step 6: Add Edible Glitter for a Sparkling Effect

If you want your glowing bouncy balls to have an extra magical touch, sprinkle a tiny bit of edible glitter into each mold before pouring in the mixture. This will give them a sparkling effect that will shine under UV light.

Notes

  • Agar-agar is a key ingredient in making these bouncy balls, as it provides the chewy, gelatin-like texture without the use of animal products. If you cannot find agar-agar, you can substitute it with gelatin, though the texture may differ slightly.

  • The glowing effect from tonic water will be visible only under UV light, so make sure to set up a UV light source when serving. It’s the perfect touch for a themed party, such as a glow-in-the-dark gathering!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 60 per ball
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 10 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g