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Hi, and welcome to the sticky business
of making chewing gum! It’s going to be fun! And, easy - just follow
these instructions. Make sure you do this with an adult because
you have to use heat. Oh, and one more thing, turn this paper over
and read about chicle and chewing gum. We bet you will learn something!
First, find a clean table top for
making the gum. Next, find all of the parts of THE GUM KIT:
chicle gum base (the stuff that
looks like pellets)
confectioner's sugar
corn syrup
2 flavor packets (cinnamon and cherry)
pan (for microwave or stovetop)
Note: the chicle gum base is very
sticky stuff when it melts, which is why we have given you a pan
to use when you heat it. Do not use one of your own pans- you will
find it very difficult to remove the chicle gum base afterwards.
And, here goes...
1) First, stand the pouch of corn
syrup in a teacup and pour in enough boiling water so that the water
level is about the same level as that of the corn syrup. It will
flow out more quickly when it's hot.
2) Sprinkle about 1/2 of the confectioner's
sugar onto the table in a small mound.
3) Melt the chicle gum base, either
in a microwave or in a pot on your stove top. For either method,
pour the chicle gum base out of its plastic bag and into the black
pan. (Do not use the transparent plastic cover)
If you are using a stove: fill
a 2 quart pot with about 3 inches of water, and place the pan in
the water so that it is floating like a little boat. Cover the pot
and boil the water until the chicle gum base is entirely melted.
(This can take as much as 20 minutes.) Then, remove the pan.
If you are using a microwave: BE
CAREFUL- even though the pan is made for microwaving, it may melt
if it gets too hot, so make sure to remove it as soon as the chicle
gum base is gooey. Since all microwaves are different, we suggest
setting the timer initially to 100% power for 1 1/2 minutes. Then
stir the gum base and see if it is soft enough to work with. If
it isn't, continue putting it back in for 30 seconds at a time and
stirring to see if it's done.
4) Now cut the end of the pouch
and squeeze the corn syrup into the chicle gum base. Stir up the
mixture and empty it onto the sugar on the table. IT'S REALLY STICKY
STUFF, ISN’T IT?
5) Knead it (a rolling and folding
motion) just like you would with bread dough, and then divide the
gum into two parts on the table. Add the contents of one of the
flavor packets into each part.
6) Mix in the remaining sugar to
both parts-keep pulling it, tugging it, and poking it, kneading
it, whatever! It's worth the hard work!
7) Roll it out, just as you would
with cookie dough. You can use anything, a rolling pin, of course,
or even a can or bottle you have around the house. Just make sure
it’s clean, and sprinkle a bit of the sugar on it so that the gum
won’t stick to it.
8) Cut the gum into whatever size
pieces you wish and chew a piece or two (or ten!)
9) Wrap up the remaining gum in
aluminum foil or wax paper so that you can save some for later.
10) Clean up— If by chance you
get some chicle gum base someplace it does not belong, do not panic.
Try dissolving it in melted butter (not margarine) or using a commercial
solvent.
Now that you know how easy it is
to Make Your Own Chewing Gum from
scratch, we know that you're going to want to make more!
Order a new kit for your friends, class, scout
troop or your next birthday party: Order
Now for only $13!
They also make great gifts for kids (ages 8 and up)!
You can also order a Chewing
Gum Refill Kit for only $6 (enough chicle gum base to make twice
as much gum as was in the KIT and a new black pan to soften it)
And, if you liked our Make Your Own Chewing Gum
Kit, you'll also like the Make
Your Own Chocolate Kit and the Make
Your Own Gummies Kit.
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