‘Jell-O’ Articles at Sweetnicks

A super simple, completely customizable pudding parfait recipe that is kid-friendly and adult approved. Which is pretty much my favorite kind of recipe, like ever.

So this week, I did a kids craft and food workshop at several libraries. I had the craft portion all figured out … easy peasy since we’re heading quickly towards the New Year’s Eve holiday celebration. We made noisemakers and personal confetti packets.

Because I am apparently ALL ABOUT sending the mess and noise home with the kids at end of the workshop.

#sorrynotsorry

But I also needed a dessert recipe component as well, and hemmed and hawed about what to make with the kids. One thing I’ve found since I started teaching these workshops in June is that individual recipes are the best, because every kid wants to be doing something AT ALL TIMES, so individual recipes means they can do just that.

I ended up going with these Cookie Crumble Pudding Parfaits. Deliciously simple and completely customizable, so once you have the guideline down pat, go crazy and make it your own.

Which means you can keep it super easy for the kiddos, or make it all complicated and fancy to appeal to grown-ups as well.

Because … rules? Who needs ’em?

The basic premise is mixing pudding with Cool Whip because that makes it lighter and fluffier and … well … better. And then layer whatever you want in between. For my workshops this week, we went with vanilla pudding, and crumbled nilla wafers as the layers, along with mini marshmallows (those crazy kids!), and a smattering of diamond crystal sugar on top.

Because things that sparkle are always better.

For a more grown-up palate … chocolate pudding with crushed biscotti and salted caramel layers with homemade whipped cream on top would be pretty amazeballs. And fresh fruit would make an equally awesome layer as well!

Just have fun with it … and enjoy!

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First, let me state the obvious.

I typically don’t want to eat a dessert with the word finger in it.

But that might be just me.

I’m gathering the word finger is in there because you cut these into squares and can conceivably eat them with your fingers. Even if they are a little wiggly. You know, like Jell-O is prone to be.

Layered Jell-O desserts are generally a royal pain in the you know where. They are super easy to make, but it’s a time thing. You have to make and chill each layer separately. So between 15-20 minutes was needed for each of the seven layers you see here. It wasn’t a h-u-g-e deal because we were in the kitchen making other things for Valentine’s Day the night before, but consider yourself forewarned. The kids love it though, and that’s really enough for me.

Once you figure out your schedule to make a layered Jell-O dessert, they’re fun to serve. They’re pretty. The kids love them. And it’s practically guilt-free. Don’t get hung up on the red layers. Make green ones for St. Patrick’s day. Rainbow layers for a rainbow party. Pastel layers to celebrate spring. Blue layers for a baby shower. Use the concept and unleash that wicked imagination of yours. I think a rainbow layered one would fit right into our bi-annual Rainbow Cake parties. We have made a slightly different version for Fourth of July parties of years’ past (see this uber-short, ancient post here).

And is it me, or does Jell-O totally remind you of your childhood? Which is pretty cool in and of itself.

Go get yourself a few boxes of your favorite colors, and layer up a fun little dessert. For a holiday. Or because it’s Thursday. Or any reason in between.

Will be back here Sunday night. Have yourself an awesome little weekend. We plan to do exactly the same.

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Read More

Recipe: Cookie Crumble Pudding Parfaits

Recipe: Seven Layer Finger Jell-O