Recipe time! Fake blood

One of the advantages of doing science marketing work and running forensic science/chemistry workshops is that it allows me to explore my creative side. When it comes to setting up a mock crime scene, one thing that is essential is a good fake blood.

I've had mixed success with the recipes I've found on the internet. Store-bought fake blood that is found on the shelves of dollar stores around Halloween is rather good, but I'm rather fond of my own recipe. Not only does it have a pleasant strawberry smell, it is also edible (I wouldn't go eating copious amounts of it though, as glycerine has a higher energy density than sucrose).

Materials
- 250 mL Glycerine/glycerol (available from supermarkets)
- Strawberry jelly powder (one sachet)
- Water
- Red food colouring
- Blue food colouring

Directions
1) Pour glycerine into microwave-safe bowl
2) Heat glycerine in microwave until hot (try not to set anything on fire). Shouldn't need more than about 30 to 45 seconds, but use your judgement.
3) Add jelly powder to hot glycerine, and mix with a wooden spoon until thoroughly mixed
4) Dropwise, add about 10 drops of red food colouring to mixture. Stir thoroughly.
5) Add a drop of blue food colouring and stir thoroughly. Add more until desired colour is achieved.
6) If the mixture is too thick, add small amounts of water until mixture has desired consistency.

Storage
If stored in an air-tight container, this mixture should be safe for use for weeks, if not months.

Preparation Time
This recipe should take about 10 minutes to make, from start to finish. 

Comment
Be aware that fake blood can stain, so take appropriate steps to ensure that you don't spray/spread this anywhere that will be difficult to clean. This fake blood can also be rather sticky, especially if left on a surface for a while. Also, as it contains glycerine, if you don't clean it up right away you may get ants and other insects taking advantage of a free meal.