Oh, the Joys of Jell-o

Back in the dark ages, when I first started cooking, I purchased The New Joys of Jell-o Cookbook.  Think I paid a dollar for it.  Making jell-o, for whatever reason, fascinated me.  There was just something about sucking jell-o through my teeth.  Come on, admit it, you did it too.

My mother made jell-o on Sundays.  Why?  I don't know.  Maybe, jell-o was just that special.  It seems that most of my students purchase jell-o already made.  I'm sorry, but some things I just need to make myself.  Jell-o is easy to make, hot water, cold water and a package of jell-o.  However, you do need to plan ahead.  It's got to chill in the refrigerator.

Jell-o or gelatin is actually an animal protein, made from collagen.  Have you ever noticed that meat drippings become jelly-like when cooled?  Well, that's jell-o or as it is scientifically called, gelatin. Since it is low in the essential amino acid, tryptophan, it is an incomplete protein.  When jell-o cools, it actually forms a protein gel.  Although we think of jell-o for desserts only, gelatin is used frequently in the manufacture of food, such as, marshmallows, yogurt, ice cream and cream cheese. 

In it's early history, jell-o was made the well-to-do.  Because to make jell-o, you needed a refrigerator or icebox.  To purchase a refrigerator or icebox, you needed to have money.  Thus, jell-o was made by those with money. 

Now that jell-o (and refrigerators) are available to the masses, why not make a simple dessert of jell-o.  With a little planning, your dessert will be ready when you are.

Warmer Temperatures Is No Reason to Forgo Desserts

Ok! The temperature is rising and summer is on the way. Just because the temperature is increasing does not mean you have to skip dessert. Also does not mean that you have to turn on the stove. Thank goodness for no cook desserts. We can have our cake and eat it too.

Summer is an ideal time to pull out a few recipes for no cook or minimally cooked desserts. This type of dessert may start with a cake mix or a purchased product, like pound cake. Ice cream, cakes, cookies, whipped topping, fresh fruit, ice cream, milk, gelatin, and instant pudding can all play a role in no cook desserts. Just let your imagination run wild.

If you are in need of recipes, try looking at websites for your selected ingredient. Companies are a great source of recipes using their ingredients.

Summer Lime Pie

Serves 8.

Ingredients:

1 package (3 ounces) lime flavored gelatin

1 teaspoon lime zest

3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping

1 graham cracker crust

Directions:

1. Dissolve gelatin in ⅔ cup boiling water. Stir until gelatin is dissolved. Add lime zest and juice.

2. Add 1¼ cup cold water.

3. Gently whisk in whipped topping. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until mixture will hold its shape. Pour into crust. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Garnish with additional whipped topping and lime slices.

Cherry Cheese Pie - A Perfect No Bake Dessert

As a teenager, I discovered a recipe for a cherry cheese pie. For a teenager, it was quite simple – sugar, cream cheese, Dream Whip (yes, I’m that old) and cherry pie filling. For more information on Dream Whip, check out this site http://bit.ly/aS6m7D. I have updated the recipe slightly. I now use readymade whipped topping. The pie filling has been replaced with jams or fresh fruit.

I have been thinking about this recipe a lot because it has been so dang hot. I thought what a perfect time to bring this recipe out again. This is one of those no cook desserts that is perfect for this time of year.

Cherry Cheese Pie

Serves 8.

Ingredients:
1package (8 ounce) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla flavoring
1 container (8 ounce) whipped topping
1 Graham cracker crust
1 cup fruit topping, your choice

Directions:
1. Beat cream cheese and sugar together. Add vanilla flavoring. Blend in about 1 cup of whipped topping until mixture is smooth. Add the remainder of the topping. Spread mixture into pie crust. Chill for at least 3 hours.

2. Top with fruit of your choice.