Gelatin, which is usually found in gummy snacks, yogurts and marshmallows, is commonly used as a gelling agent in food. Gelatin is translucent and colorless but bitter when dry. It melts to a liquid when heated and solidifies when cooled again. Together with water, it forms a semi-solid colloid gel. Enough about the ingredients and substance. Let’s get into the fun stuff!

If you’re a fan of gelatin molds, there are a few tricks and tips offered by experts to make them even more beautiful. For a clear, uniformly set mold, the gelatin has to be completely dissolved. Next add cold liquid or use several ice cubes. To double the recipe for your mold use two 3-oz packages or one 6-oz. package of Jell-O Gelatin and twice the amounts of the other ingredients besides vinegar, salt and lemon juice. One and a half times the amounts of these ingredients should work fine. If you are preparing a large mold, decrease the required liquid about cup for each 3 oz of gelatin. The firmer consistence makes the mold less fragile or likely to crack at the base after it is unmolded.

If you like fruity gelatin there are ways to add real fruit to your mold. Let the gelatin stand for 5-6 minutes to thicken after removing unmelted ice. Fold in ingredients and chill until firm. You can add vegetables if you want to gelatin too.

It is very easy to change the texture and appearance of Jell-O gelatin. Do so by whipping it until it’s thick and fluffy. You can prepare any fruit flavor of gelatin as directed on the package and chill until very thick. Beat it with an electric mixer or rotary beater until the mixture becomes fluffy and thick. When it is about double in volume your Jell-O results in the best eating quality and flavor. If you would like to shorten the chilling and beating times you can chill the gelatin until slightly thickened, and then place it in another bowl of ice and add water before starting to beat. Whipped gelatin can be poured into molds or with cubes of fruit added. Whenever unmolding cut into squares or spoon into serving dishes and serve with fruit.

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