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Joys of Jell-O
Wiggly, jiggly fun

Q:I am considering making Jell-O treats at a upcoming party and I can't remember how to make them. Can you help?

-- L. Matthews, Iceland

A: Though little is know about who first developed the culinary technique or when it became popular, Jell-O shots are a long-standing party tradition. The flavored gelatin which is the foundation of the Jell-O brand dessert was developed in 1897 and the first flavors were strawberry, raspberry-orange and lemon.

Since then, an anonymous genius learned that you can substitute some of the cold water for your choice of spirit, giving birth to today's Jell-O shooter.

It is interesting to note that in January 2001, the Utah Senate declared Jell-O gelatin the Official State Snack of Utah. To celebrate, an annual Jell-O Week was proclaimed by the governor, which happens to fall during February's spring break.

Hmmm.

Jell-O shots are great fun year round. Use the jiggler recipe on the Jell-O box. Substitute half of the water with liquor(s) of choice.

Gin does well with citrus gelatin, especially lime. Vodka is barely detectable when mixed with tropical fruits and berries. Rum and tequila may discolor gelatin. Sambuca is nice with cranberry. Flavored schnapps also mixes well with all fruits.

The current Jell-O flavors include:

Apricot
Berry Blue
Black Cherry
Cherry
Cranberry
Cranberry Raspberry
Grape
Green Apple
Island Pineapple
Lemon
Lime
Magical Twist
Mango
Mixed Fruit
Orange
Peach
Raspberry
Strawberry
Strawberry-Banana
Strawberry Kiwi
Watermelon
White Grape
Wild Berry
Wild Strawberry