I googled Jell-O and found some interesting reading on gelatin, which has become know as Jell-O from Kraft Foods. Gelatin is a protein produced from collagen of boiled bones and other animal products; which has been used since the 1400’s. The gelatin powder was patented in 1845 by Peter Cooper and later sold to a New York based carpenter who added fruit flavorings. It was given it present name of Jell-O in 1899. It has long been a staple at picnics and pot luck meals. In 1964 the slogan “There’s always room for Jell-O” was used to promote the product as a light dessert. Bill Cosby was a spokesman for Jell-O in the 70’s and helped to introduce sugar free Jell-O and D-Zerta. There are 158 products sold under the Jell-O brand name with 300 million boxes sold in the US each year. Jell-O shots are popular in recent times by adding an alcoholic beverage to the mix with vodka or rum being the most popular. The alcohol in Jell-O is absorbed slower, thus people underestimate how much they have actually consumed.

The recipe today is fun for kids for a July 4th picnic and contains no alcohol!

Red, White and Blue Jell-O

2 Packages red Jello-O (3 ounce)

2 Packages blue Jell-O (3 ounce)

Dissolve each flavor (color) separately with 2 cups very hot water (boiling); stir well. Pour each flavor into separate 8×8 pans; chill until set.

2 Packages Knox unflavored gelatin

1/2 Cup hot water

1 Can sweetened condensed milk.

Dissolve gelatin in bowl, add sweetened condensed milk; stir well. Cube the flavored Jell-O; arrange cubes in 9×13 pan and pour the gelatin mixed with milk over the cubes. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.

Questions or comments:

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