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Halloween Brain Jello Mold

This dish is a spooky gelatin dessert designed to resemble a human brain, achieved by layering and molding colored gelatin. The result is a smooth, silky-textured mold with a gory appearance, which glows eerily in the dark, making it perfect for Halloween parties.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 50
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups fruit juice or flavored liquid for the base gelatin layer
  • 3 tablespoons gelatin powder unflavored or flavored, depending on desired color
  • 0.5 cup cold water to bloom the gelatin
  • 1 cup white grape juice or flavored liquid for the gory-looking layer
  • 2 tablespoons gelatin powder for the darker, bloody layer
  • 2 tsp fluorescent or tonic water (optional, for glow effect) add to glow in the dark under blacklight

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Silicone mold or gelatin mold
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

  1. Pour 0.5 cup of cold water into a mixing bowl and sprinkle the gelatin powder over it. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom, until it looks gelled and slightly cloudy.
  2. Heat the fruit juice or flavored liquid in a saucepan over low heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
  3. Pour the mixture into a silicone mold or gelatin mold, filling it about one-third full to create the core of the brain. Place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes until slightly firm.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the darker, bloody layer by blooming the second gelatin powder with a little cold water. Heat the white grape juice until warm and stir in this gelatin until fully dissolved.
  5. Once the first layer is semi-set, gently pour the darker gelatin over the partially firm layer, carefully covering it without disturbing the shape. Return to the fridge for another 20 minutes to set completely.
  6. Prepare the glow-in-the-dark solution by mixing the gelatine with a small amount of warm water and adding the tonic or fluorescent water. Stir well and add to the remaining gelatin mixture if glow is desired.
  7. Once the previous layer is firm, pour the glowing gelatin mixture gently over the mold, filling it to the top. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until fully set and jiggle-ready.
  8. Carefully unmold the gelatin by gently pressing or warming the outside of the mold to loosen it. The finished sculpture should resemble a textured, brain-like form with layered colors and a smooth surface.
  9. Slice and serve chilled, ideally under blacklight to enhance the glowing effect and spooky appearance.

Notes

For an extra spooky effect, add edible blood syrup around the mold before serving.