So I have this idea for a cake recipe. In order to make it work, I need peppermint Jell-O.
Unfortunately, they do not make peppermint Jell-O. Okay, so that became a tad discouraging.
But only a tad.
Not to be defeated, I decided that if they do not manufacture it, then I would simply have to craft it myself from scratch.
(And I mean REAL people "from scratch", not Amish people "ground-the-horse-hooves-and-grow-my-own-mint from scratch".)
So, after much trial and error, I hit upon the right flavor and consistency. I didn't bother taking a picture, because it is visually indistinguishable from lime Jell-O -- depending on the amount of food coloring you use -- but here is the recipe.
Homemade Peppermint Jell-O
- 1 cup hot water (not quite boiling)
- ½ cup cold water
- 4 tbsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. peppermint extract
- 1 packet Knox Unflavored Gelatine
- food coloring (optional)
Pour the cold water into a small container or measuring cup, and set aside. In a small saucepan, dissolve the sugar and the peppermint extract in the cup of hot water over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once the sugar is completely dissolved, add the Gelatine to the cold water, allowing it to soften. After two minutes, pour the water/gelatin mixture to the hot sugar/extract/water solution. At this point, you are stirring a clear liquid. If you want it colored, add in liquid food coloring until you get the desired hue. (I used green, but you could also use red if you were going for a candy cane look.) Stir combined solution for an additional three to four minutes, then pour into bowl, cups, Jell-O molds, or what have you. Refrigerate for at least four hours.
Note: you can substitute regular mint extract in place of peppermint, if you want. Just use the same amount.
And there you have it. Enjoy!
