Recipe for: Gummy Spider Skewers

Count how many spiders you want to make (recipe for 20). Prepare the gummies: line a clean work surface with parchment paper. From the larger gummies, select 20 pieces for the bodies (preferably larger shapes like bottles or large circles). From the smaller gummies, choose 20 pieces for the heads. Cut short pieces from the thin gummy worms or strips for the legs — you will need 8 pieces for one spider. Each piece should be about 2–3 cm long (you can adjust according to the size of the body).

Prepare your workspace: a small bowl with cold water (for moistening the ends of toothpicks if needed), a plate or platter lined with baking paper, and small bowls for melting white and dark chocolate.

Shaping the body: take one toothpick. First, skewer a larger jelly (the body): insert the toothpick into its center at a slight angle, so that it pierces about half of the jelly — do not push it all the way through. Then, place a smaller jelly on the very tip of the toothpick (on top of the body) as the head, gently pressing until it settles.

Adding legs: take the cut pieces of thin jelly (about 2–3 cm). On both sides of the body, just below where the head ends, skewer 4 pieces on each side — it’s best to place them in two groups (2 + 2) set at a slight angle, symmetrically. The legs should be slightly curved outward, and the ends can stick out freely.

Prepare the eyes with white chocolate: break the white chocolate and melt it in a water bath (a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently boiling water). Stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and lump-free (this will take 2–4 minutes). Pour the melted white chocolate into a small ziplock bag and cut off a very small corner (about 2–3 mm). Squeeze two white circles the size of a pea onto each head — these will be the whites of the eyes.

Make the pupils: melt a small piece of dark chocolate in a second small container (briefly, 20–30 seconds in the microwave with pauses or briefly in a water bath). Dip a toothpick or needle into the melted dark chocolate and place a dot in the center of each white eye. Leave the spiders on a flat surface to let the chocolate set for 10–15 minutes.

Arrange the finished spider treats on a platter lined with parchment paper. If you want an extra 'web' effect, tear a small amount of cotton candy and gently stretch it over the platter, placing the spider treats so they look like they are coming out of the web. Allow the chocolate to set completely (about 15 minutes).

Serve the spiders as individual snacks — each guest can grab a toothpick and eat a spider. Arrange the spiders vertically in a piece of Styrofoam covered with baking paper if you want them to be served standing. For drinks, serve them alongside mugs of hot chocolate or spiced tea, which will enhance the autumn atmosphere.