Not Your Mama's Jello

Hold on now!! This is not the neon-colored, chemical-flavored jello of your childhood (sorry)!

The benefits of gelatin are almost immeasurable. Gelatin is an excellent source of protein, is extremely soothing to the gut, builds healthy joints, builds strong bones and teeth, detoxifies the body, improves digestion, and provides collagen for healthy skin and hair.

It's a great snack to have on hand during labor, and for a quick treat during both pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Also, it just tastes so much better than the hospital stuff.

Not Your Mama's Jello

Serves 2

2 C fruit juice*
1 generous Tbs unflavored beef gelatin (such as Vital Proteins or Great Lakes), add more for stiffer jello (up to 2 Tbs)
1-2 Tbsp maple syrup or date syrup (optional)**

Choose a storage container such as a mason jar or bowl with a tight-fitting lid. Add about ½ C juice to the container and sprinkle with gelatin powder.  Whisk together to combine, allowing to sit for5 minutes to bloom. It should look like sludge.

While the gelatin is blooming, pour the remaining juice into a medium saucepan.  Heat over medium heat until almost boiling.

Remove from heat and pour into gelatin container (make sure your gelatin has bloomed first!). Stir in sweetener (if using) and whisk well to dissolve.

Allow to cool for a bit, cover, and refrigerate about 4 hours or until set.

*Use fruit in the juicer (strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, watermelon).  Put the pulp through an extra time.  Add about ¼ C of water to achieve the total 2 cups of juice.  You can also use pre-made juices such as peach, passion fruit, guava, cranberry/pomegranate etc–just avoid any citrus as it will inhibit the gelatin from blooming properly. Real juices will result in a cloudy-looking finished product, but that’s fine!

**Granulated sugars such as coconut can be used here, but they can be more difficult to dissolve and affect the finished texture. You can also use honey, but it has a prominent flavor.