Festive Fruit Gelatin Recipes

FESTIVE FRUIT GELATIN MOLD

Steps:

• Prepare the gelatin mix according to the package instructions, using the seltzer in place of the cold water. Allow to cool for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place a mandarin followed by a blackberry in the grooves of a 2.1-quart fluted bundt pan. Repeat to form a circle. Pour in just enough of the gelatin to cover the fruit (about 1 1/2 cups). Chill until set, about 1 1/2 hours, leaving the remainder of the gelatin mix on the counter.
• Sprinkle the blueberries in an even layer over the firm gelatin. Cover with the remaining mandarin oranges. Top with the remaining blackberries. Pour the remaining gelatin mixture over the fruit. Chill until firm, at least 8 hours and up to overnight.
• When ready to serve, place the gelatin mold in a bowl of warm water for 2 minutes to loosen. Invert onto a circular serving platter. Fill the center of the mold with fresh berries to serve.

FRESH HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY JELLO

Steps:

• In a saucepan cook the strawberries and 1 cup sugar over medium-low heat. If you are using fresh strawberries you may need to add 2 tablespoons of water. Cook until the fruit is softened. Frozen and VERY ripe fruit will cook faster.
• Use a regular or immersion hand blender to puree the fruit. Strain the seeds and return to the pot. Using a chinoise strainer will make the job go much faster.
• In a small bowl, pour the 3 packets of gelatin over 1/2 cup of water, making sure no dry powder remains. Let the gelatin sit until it "blooms" and absorbs all the water.
• Heat the strained puree to a simmer, turn off the heat and add the bloomed gelatin. Stir until the gelatin is melted and evenly distributed in the puree.
• Choose a mold that fits at least 5 cups. I used a silicone mold, such as the Lekue Imperial Monarch Mold.
• Fill the mold with 3/4 of the puree. Set the mold in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until a skin is formed on the top.
• Pour half the remaining puree into a bowl. Whip the heavy cream with 2 tablespoons sugar and add it to the puree in the bowl.
• Gently fold the cream into the puree.
• Add the cream/puree mixture to the mold, refrigerate for about 15 minutes, or until it has set slightly. Add the remaining strawberry puree to the top. Set in the refrigerator for about 3 hours or until well set.
• To un-mold the jello: fill a large vessel with hot water.
• Dip the jello into the hot water, being careful not to get water over the lip of the mold. You may need to use a knife to carefully separate the edge of the mold from the jello. Let the mold sit in the water for 15 to 30 seconds. Set the jello on a platter.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Use a thin bladed knife dipped in hot water to cut the jello.

FRUIT AND GELATIN PARFAIT

Steps:

• Spray 9 inch square baking dish.
• In a small bowl dissolve raspberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in cherry filling. Pour into prepared dish and refrigerate 30 minutes.
• In a small bowl dissolve lemon gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Place cream cheese in medium bowl. Gradually add lemon gelatin and beat with wire whisk until well blended. Spoon over raspberry layer and refrigerate 30 minutes.
• In a small bowl dissolve grape gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in blueberry filling. Spoon over lemon layer and refrigerate 30 minutes.
• Spread thawed whipped topping over the top just before serving.

FESTIVE FRUIT GELATIN

Steps:

• Dissolve lime jello in 1 cup boiling water and stir in pineapple. Pour into a 9x13 pan sprayed with cooking spray. Refrigerate until set but not firm.
• Sprinkle gelatin over cold water. Let sit for 1 minute. Put in the microwave for 15 seconds on high. Stir and let stand for 1 minute or gelatin is dissolved.
• Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add milk and gelatin mixture. Beat until it's smooth. Gently spread over the lime layer and refrigerate until set but not firm.
• Dissolve strawberry jello in the rest of the boiling water. Whisk in the cranberry sauce until smooth. Refrigerate until partially set. Gently spread over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until firm.

FESTIVE FRUIT PUNCH GELATIN

Steps:

• Bring water, tejocotes and cinnamon stick to boil in saucepan; cook 10 min. or until liquid is reduced to 3 cups. Drain tejocotes, reserving tejocotes and cooking liquid; discard cinnamon stick.
• Add 1-3/4 cups reserved liquid to 1 pkg. gelatin mix in medium bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in tejocotes and remaining fruit. Pour into 10-cup mold sprayed with cooking spray. Refrigerate 30 min. or until gelatin is set but not firm.
• Meanwhile, add remaining reserved liquid to remaining gelatin mix; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in evaporated milk; carefully spoon over gelatin layer in mold. Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm. Unmold onto serving plate. Serve topped with COOL WHIP.