Make Rainbow Jello

Ever made an edible rainbow? Jello rainbows are easy to make but take several hours to assemble. 

Ingredients

 * Whipped topping 2 cups (optional).
 * 2 small boxes (or one large box) of each Jello color:
 * Red
 * Orange
 * Yellow
 * Green
 * Blue
 * Purple
 * Fruit(optional)

Steps

 * 1)  Select a tray or baking pan.
 * 2)  Clear a spot in your refrigerator large enough to accommodate the pan.
 * 3)  Set the cups in the pan or tray.
 * 4)  Start with red (or purple) Jello. Prepare the Jello according to the directions on the packet. See warnings.
 * 5) * If there is a "quick chill" method involving ice cubes, use that method.
 * 6)  Use a 1/4 cup measure and fill the bottom of each cup with the first batch of Jello.
 * 7) * Set aside any leftover Jello.
 * 8)  Set the pan in the refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes to set.
 * 9)  Take the leftover Jello of the color you just poured and mix in a couple of tablespoons of whipped topping.
 * 10)  Remove the cups from the refrigerator and layer approximately two tablespoons of the opaque mixture onto the first color.
 * 11)  Repeat the steps above for each color, allowing approximately 15 minutes of refrigerator time between every layer.

Tips

 * This recipe makes twenty (20) servings.
 * The important part is for each layer to be set before you add the next layer. After set time, touch the layer of Jello, if it is firm to the touch but still sticky, it is ready for the next layer.
 * If the opaque layer starts to set up before you get to spoon it out, place in the microwave for a moment to reconstitute it to a slightly liquid state.
 * You may substitute vegan gelatins such as agar agar or vegetable gums.

Warnings

 * Jello is not a vegetarian dessert. Gelatin is a protein produced by partial hydrolysis of collagen extracted from the bones, connective tissues, organs, and some intestines of animals such as cattle, horses, and alligators.
 * Adding fruit to this recipe, while interesting, disrupts the "rainbow." If you want to make cool multi-colored Jello fruit salad, go for it! (But don't add pineapple, papaya or kiwi unless it is cooked, because fresh versions contain an enzyme which might prevent the Jello from setting.)  If you want to make cool, edible rainbows, stick with the recipe.
 * Also, for good "rainbow" effect, these measurements are pretty specific and came about through hours of exacting kitchen science.
 * Water that is heated in the microwave can superheat and erupt when handled. Always wait for bubbles before you open the door. If you don't get bubbles after a reasonable period of time, do not open the door or reach in until the water has had ample time to cool. Alternatively, just heat it over the stove. Simple as that.


 * (This can be avoided if one inserts a chopstick into the water and leaves it in while heating, as this gives the bubbles a place to form and thus prevents the water from superheating.)

Things You'll Need

 * Twenty 10-ounce clear, plastic cups.
 * A cake pan or tray large enough to hold the 20 cups.
 * Refrigerator

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Suspend an Object in Jello
 * How to Make Jello Cake
 * How to Make a Dishless Summer Fruit Salad
 * How to Make Jello Shots
 * How to Cope after Mouth Surgery
 * How to Make Caffeine Jello Shots
 * How to Make Jello Shots in an Orange

Sources and Citations

 * Jello Museum
 * Jello Information