Creamsicle Jello

When I was younger I loved eating jello.  I now know that those boxed jellos are full of high fructose corn syrup, red #40, and much more yucky stuff.

It took quite awhile for me to discover that I can actually make all sorts of jellos without the added nonsense.  Not only is this 'healthified' jello yummy and fun, but it will also improve your skin, hair and nail quality, help heal digestive disorders, balance your hormones, and it's loaded with high quality protein!

That's right, grass-fed gelatin, is packed with so many benefits, and this jello recipe is just one of the many ways to add more of it into your diet.  So why not make it taste like a scrumptious orange creamsicle, and smile as you watch your hair grow longer and your wrinkles disappear. ;)

(Read more about gelatin benefits here)

INGREDIENTS:

For the Orange Layer

- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of organic, fresh squeezed orange juice (I like to strain mine, but it's not required)

- 1 1/4 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin (this kind)

For the Cream Layer

- 2/3 cup, plus 1 tablespoon of raw cream (raw cream is by far best, but heavy cream can work too)

- 1/2 tablespoon grass-fed gelatin

- 1 1/2 tablespoons Grade-B maple syrup or raw honey (I've only tried syrup)

- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

*Note:  This jello is not very sweet.  If you like things sweeter, increase the 'cream layer' sweetener to 2 tablespoons, and add a dash of syrup or honey to the 'Orange Layer'.

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons orange juice and 1 1/4 tablespoons gelatin until well combined.  Let the mixture sit for one minute to 'bloom'.

2. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, heat 1/2 cup of the orange juice until just warmed.  Add the 'bloomed' gelatin mixture to it, and whisk until just melted.  Turn off heat, and add remaining orange juice, and whisk well.  

3. Pour into an 8x8 dish, a dish of similar size, or approximately 5 individual serving dishes (like this), and chill in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours.

4. Once the orange layer is firm, it's time to make the cream layer.  Mix together the 1 tablespoon of raw cream and 1/2 tablespoon gelatin.

5.  Pour 1/3 cup of cream into a clean saucepan over medium-low.  Once slightly warm, add in the 'bloomed' gelatin/cream mixture.  Whisk until well-combined and melted, then turn off heat and add the additional cream, mixing to combine.

6. Take the firm orange jello out the fridge, and pour cream mixture on top.  Place back in the fridge for about 2 hours, until solidified.  

7.  Cut into big or bite-sized squares (or serve from individual jello cups), and enjoy!

(Adapted recipe from here)