12 Days of DIY :: Day 8 :: Gingerbread Martini Jelly Shot

Today's DIY project is of the yummy edible variety! If you're having a holiday gathering, or if you just want to make your holiday at home a little more fun, try these delicious holiday "edible cocktails" from Jelly Shot Test Kitchen. Don't they look festive??

 

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup Monin Gingerbread syrup
• 3 tbsp water
• 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
• 2 1/2 envelopes Knox gelatin (1/2 envelope equals about 1 tsp of gelatin powder)
• 1/2 cup vanilla vodka
• 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Creme liqueur
• 1/3 cup Kahlua coffee flavoured liqueur
• Whipped topping and maraschino cherry segments for garnish, if desired

Instructions:

Pour gingerbread syrup, water, and sweetened condensed milk into a small saucepan and sprinkle with gelatin.  Allow to soak for a minute or two.  Heat over low heat until gelatin is fully dissolved, about 5 minutes.  Mixture will be a bit thick.  When gelatin is dissolved, remove from heat.  Mix in the vodka first, then the Bailey’s and Kahlua, stirring well after to each addition to fully incorporate.  Strain to remove any un-dissolved gelatin solids. 

Pour into molds or pan.  Chill until fully set, several hours or overnight. 

To serve, unmold or cut into desired shapes.  Immediately before serving, garnish each jelly shot with a little whipped topping and a maraschino cherry segment. 

Makes 18 to 24 jelly shots.  


Unmolding Tips (metal mold):

• Allow gelatin to set until completely firm, preferably overnight.
• Before attempting to unmold, loosen the edges of the gelatin by pulling gently either with a clean fingertip or a knife dipped in warm water to loosen. 
•  Dip mold in warm water, just to rim, for 10 seconds (Don't dip for too long, as jelly shots can get a bit melty, losing the crisp detail of the mold.  If this happens, don't worry!  Just return the mold to the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes and try again!)  
•  Lift mold from water and gently pull gelatin from edge of mold with moist fingers. Invert the mold onto a nonstick cookie sheet, and give it a little shake.  Repeat the pulling, inverting and shaking process until all the jelly shots have been removed from the pan.  

See the full post and find more delicious jelly shots at Jelly Shot Test Kitchen.

12 Days of DIY :: Day 7 :: Ice Bottle Cooler

A genius idea to keep beverages cold in a decorative and eye-catching way! These ice bottle coolers can be used for liquor, wine, or even non-alcoholic drinks such as lemonade or tea.

 

Supplies:

•  A 3-liter empty soda container that you will cut the top off of
• distilled water for more clarity in your end result 
• fruit such as lemons, limes, star fruit, or cranberries
• duct tape - only in case your bottle floats up in the water 

Instructions:

 

Place the bottle of vodka inside the 3-liter container and fill with an inch or two of the distilled water - freeze until solid.

When the base is frozen you can begin adding slice fruit or berries around the bottle and fill with more water to just cover the fruit layer - freeze until solid.

 

Once the first fruit layer is frozen you can add your next layer in the same manner, filling with distilled water enough to cover the fruit.  This layer should take you to the top of the vodka bottle - freeze until solid.

Once the cooler is frozen, take it out of the freezer so it can thaw slightly - enough to work the 3-liter container off of the ice (about 30 minutes).  You may still need to dip in luke warm water to help ease it off.  Once you have the ice cooler out of the container store it in the freezer until ready to set on your bar.

Tips:

When setting the ice cooler out on your bar, set it in a shallow dish or tray that is lined with a small towel. This will prevent the icy base from slipping around on the dish, as well as help contain the melting ice.  Under normal home temperatures this should last a few hours. 

If you would like to use the ice cooler for white wine or other cold drink, just insert an empty bottle (wine bottle or other decorative bottle) into the 3-liter container and follow the same steps.  You can add your beverage to the empty bottle inside (using a funnel) after the cooler is frozen.

See the original post for this fabulous idea at Celebrations at Home.

Congratulations Christin & Matt

What can I say...other than this wedding was amazing! From the ice sculpture martini luge to the centerpieces, from the dessert bar to the garter removal performance...everything was jaw-dropping! I had an amazing time at your reception, and it was so great to work with you and your families! Lots of love and luck to you both!

Christin & Matt
June 21, 2008