ALSO: If you are skiddish about Jell-O don't go any further. If you won't let a dribble of soda pop enter your home-stop reading now. Yes-this uses processed ingredients. I get that. I get that and I am totally trying to do more 'real' food and less processed-BUT once in a while-one can endure a wee treat...and this recipe counts as just that.
Now that I have that out of the way-here are some very helpful tips. I have been making this for over 20+ years-so I have found this out the hard way and now know how to avoid plastering my kitchen and myself with sticky orange spray.
**Use a high-sided bowl for mixing this up-otherwise people, you will be wearing it and cleaning it up for a long time. You can transfer to a prettier bowl when done.
**Use a piece of plastic wrap or a towel to half cover the bowl-see reason why above.
**Use a hand mixer if you can-that way you can control it better
**Set cream cheese out for a bit to soften or if you are like me-just pop it into the microwave for about 15-18 seconds on defrost. Remove it from the wrapper and place on a piece of wax paper first.
**You need to stir it at least 2-3 times to distribute the goodies. It's OK if you forget but do your best not to. I let it sit about 20 mins after placing it in the fridge. Then give it a stir. Then again in another 15-20 mins and poss. third time after that. It just tastes better when it is mixed more thoroughly.
**Leave a spoon in it to remind you to stir it-cover lightly with wax or parchment paper to keep it from getting contaminated. No one wants that.
**MAKE THE DAY PRIOR to when you want it. It takes time to set nicely. I usually make it late in the evening, the day before I want it. Then it is all done and ready to go for the next day's dinner/event.
There ya go-my tips to help you make a nicer Jell-O. I got this from my mother-in-law way back when. I do not know where she found it. So I haven't a clue who gets credit for creating this.
Orange Pop Jell-O
1 large package of Orange Jell-O + 1 cup of boiling water
Mix this together and let sit about a min.
add in:
8oz package of cream cheese-softened
Using hand mixer, beat the cream cheese in until
incorporated but not too lumpy. Don't over beat it tho.
You want some mini-chunks of the cheese.
add in:
1 can of Mandarin Oranges-drained
(15 oz can)
2 1/2 cups of Orange Pop
(20 oz bottle)**
**you can also try a natural orange pop
found in your organic/natural section
of your supermarket
Cover, place in fridge.
(keep spoon in until done stirring) stir at least 2-3 times.
ENJOY!!!!
