Layered Jello Squares

Unlike the chocolate turtles I just made (and ate) that are a healthified version of the real thing, the following dessert is definitely not. I'm sure there's a way to make a healthier version of jello, but really, sometimes we just need to be able to indulge, as long as it's in moderation of course :) 

Growing up, I always enjoyed jello as a fun, jiggly dessert. It was the go-to at any salad bar and who could forget those Bill Cosby commercials with jello jigglers in fun shapes! Jello brings back memories from childhood, and no matter how healthy I transform my life, I will always fall back on those feel-good moments and desire to share them with my kids as well.

This is the first time I've ever made layered jello squares, however. I had always seen them and wondered how these beautifully crafted squares were made. Well, now and I know and I'm going to share it with you too! I don't have pictures of the step-by-step, but hopefully the directions will be clear enough for you to figure out. :) You can use any colours you choose, but for the holidays, I chose red and green, of course.

Ingedients:

4 small packs of jello (your choice of colours)

4 envelopes of knox, unflavoured gelatin (1 box has 4 envelopes)

1 can of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk

Directions:

- Mix 1/2 an envelope (roughly 1 1/8 tsp) of knox with a packet of jello. (your bottom layer)

- Add 1 cup of boiling water to the jello/knox and stir till disolved. 

- Let cool to room temperature.

- Pour into a glass 9x13 container, pop any bubbles on the surface and put it in the fridge to let it set up for approx. 15 min (or until firm enough for another layer to rest upon it). Do not mix up the next layer of jello/knox until your milk layer is in the fridge.

- Mix the can of condensed milk with 1 cup of boiling water.

- In a separate, small bowl, put 1/2 cup of cold water.

- Sprinkle 2 envelopes of knox gelatin on top. Let the gelatin bloom (about 2-3 minutes).

- Add 1/2 cup boiling water to the bloomed gelatin and mix till disolved.

- Add gelatin mixture to milk and stir together (will make about 3 cups of liquid).

- Let cool to room temperature.

- Add about 1 cup, pouring slowly, on top of the jello layer. Pop any bubbles.

- Let firm up in the fridge.

- Repeat process with remaining jello and milk until you have 4 layers of jello and 3 layers of milk. Once all your layers are poured, keep in the fridge until completely set-up and you're ready to consume.

- Cut into squares and transfer to a plate and enjoy!

Happy Eating!