Jello making is sooooo easy! The only ingredients are fruit juice and Knox gelatin! It’s actually as easy, or even easier, than using the box, and so much more healthy. I have used a couple of different recipes over the years. Here’s my current one, adapted from the La Leche League cookbook “Whole Foods for the Whole Family”, along with my comments.
Gelatin
1 T. unflavored gelatin (I use Knox because I haven’t gotten a vegetarian kind to gel properly)–I used four packets of gelatin, but for REALLY firm “jello blocks”, so toddlers and small children can handle them with their hands, I’d need to use 5, I think.
1/2 c. cold fruit juice–I used 1-1/2 cups, and it was really not that cold, either. They say you can use water, but I didn’t see the point of watering down the flavor.
1-1/2 c. fruit juice–I used 4-1/2 cups.
Optional–chopped fruits or vegetables (except for fresh or frozen pineapple, mango, figs, or papaya).
Sprinkle gelatin over cold juice in saucepan. Heat over low heat until gelatin dissolves, while stirring. (doesn’t take more than a minute or two, really)
Stir in remainder of juice, and any optional ingredients you’re using. Pour into container of choice. Chill until set.
I poured the gelatin into a large glass roaster once, and used two 8X8 pans another time. I poured any leftover into small tupperware-type cups to use for school lunches.
This is neat. I never knew you could make homemade Jello! I was disappointed to see that regular Jello has red dye 40 in it, so this would be a great alternative.