Rainbow Jell-o Salad

How is that for a cool looking jell-o salad?  I've always wondered how it was made, so I finally got off my rear end and googled it.  I took this to my family's 4th of July BBQ and it was a big hit with everyone, especially the kids (there were 17 of them).  It was fun to watch them peel each layer off and eat it.

This is really a simple salad to make, but you have to plan ahead.  Its best made the night before you need it.  The total time to prepare this was over 8 hours, but actual hands-on time was only about 30 minutes, the rest was chilling time.  So keep that in mind.  Its also fun for kids to help make.  Mine loved spooning the Jell-o over the previous layer.

I love that you can really tailor this to the seasons.  Red, white and blue for July 4th, purple and orange for Halloween, red and green for Christmas, you get the idea.  So have fun with it!

Rainbow Jell-o Salad
Serves 20


7 packages (3 oz. each) assorted flavored Jell-o
4 1/2 cups boiling water, divided
4 1/2 cups cold water, divided
1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk

In a small bowl, dissolve 1 pkg. of Jell-o in 3/4 cup boiling water.  Stir in 3/4 cup cold water.  Pour into a 9 x 13 inch baking pan coated with  nonstick spray.  Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

Dissolve a second package of gelatin in 1/2 cup boiling water.  Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup evaporated milk.  Spoon (don't pour) over the first layer.  Chill until firm.

Repeat with remaining boxes of Jell-o, alternating with creamy Jell-o.  Chill until each layer is firm before adding the next layer.  Refrigerate overnight.  Top with whipped cream and cut into squares.

Source:  My friend Katie B.