Layered Jello

This was the second dessert I created for my gluten free cousin.  You have to plan ahead to make this dessert because you have to let each layer set.  I started this on Saturday and completed the first two layers.  However, I did not get home on Sunday with enough time before our dinner to get the final layer to set.  So I had to eat it myself – my kids too – bummer.

I topped the layered jello with whipped cream (from the Chocolate Mousse Cake) and candied oranges.  The candied oranges were the bomb – the best part of the dessert.

Ingredients (adapted from My Recipes):

 

• 1 small navel orange
• 2 cups water
• 2 1/2 cups sugar, divided
• 1 packages lemon-flavored gelatin
• 4 cups boiling water, divided
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 package strawberry flavored gelatin
• 1/2 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 (3-ounce) packages raspberry-flavored gelatin
• 1 bunch of blueberries
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 confectioners sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

Preparation

1. Cut orange into thin (1/8-inch-thick) slices, discarding ends.
2. Stir together 2 cups water and 2 cups sugar in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, and stir until sugar dissolves. Gently stir in orange slices, and bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low, and simmer, occasionally pressing orange slices into liquid, for 2 hours. Remove orange slices using a slotted spoon, and place in a single layer on wax paper; cool completely. (Save liquid for another recipe and post – you will have to wait).

1. Make the raspberry flavored jello per the package instructions.  Chill 1 – 2 hours or until firm.

1. Stir together half-and-half and 1/4 cup cold water in a medium sauce-pan. Sprinkle with the  lemon flavored gelatin, and stir. Place pan over medium heat; stir in remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and cook, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes or until sugar and gelatin dissolve. (Do not boil). Remove pan from heat.
2. Microwave cream cheese for 45 seconds or until very soft; stir until smooth. Whisk cream cheese into half-and-half mixture until smooth; whisk in vanilla extract, and chill 30 minutes or until slightly cool. Spoon about 1″ layer of the cream cheese mixture into an even layer over firm raspberry layer in each glass; chill.

1. Make the strawberry-flavored gelatin per the package instructions. Pour the raspberry mixture over cream cheese layer.  Add a few blueberries into each cup.  Cover and chill at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.

1. Mix the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla in your electric mix until stiff peaks form (Whip Cream).  Dollop a good spoonful into each cup and top with a quartered slice of the candied oranges.  Enjoy!