These Jack-o-lantern jello heads make the perfect halloween dessert. If you are looking for ideas for a kids party then these unique orange jellies are perfect; children and adults will love this fun and easy dessert. Learn how to make homemade fizzy jello from fruit and soda drinks. Plus you can carve your 'pumpkin' faces to be as cute or as scary as you like.
Before you start make sure the soda is in the fridge (see note 3)
Place a metal bowl into the fridge to chill. (see note 4)
Give the oranges a wash with warm water.
Use a knife to cut the top off each of the oranges.
Use a teaspoon to scoop out as much as the orange flesh as you can and reserve it in a bowl. Be careful to not puncture the bottom of the orange.
Carve your pumpkin-style faces into each of the orange shells. Wrap lightly in glad wrap and refrigerate until later.
Place the orange flesh into a sieve and squeeze out the juice, you are aiming for 2 cups of juice. (see note 1)
Pour ½ cup of the orange juice into a small saucepan, sprinkle the 2 envelopes of unflavoured gelatin evenly over the surface of the liquid and let it stand for 5 minute.
Place the pan over a low heat and stir constantly until the gelatine has all dissolved - about 3 minutes.
Remove from the heat and pour in the remaining orange juice and stir well.
Then carefully add your cold soda and stir gently.
Pour the prepared jelly into your cold metal bowl and refrigerate until set.
When you’re ready to serve use a fork to rough up the jelly, making it look mushy.
Spoon the jelly into the orange shells, pushing it down so it starts to ooze out of the carved faces.
Notes
You may need little more soda if your oranges don't release enough juice.
I use the Knox Unflavoured Gelatine, if you are using a different brand check the instructions and add enough gelatine to set 4 cups of liquid. (see bulk of post for more detailed instructions on this)
The soda wants to be as cold as possible, this helps the jelly to set quickly, locking in the bubbles and giving you the fizz when you eat the jelly. Also use a unopened bottle of soda to maximise the bubbles.
The bowl should have the capability to hold 4 cups of liquid, and the metal helps it to chill quickly thus setting the jelly more quickly and locking in the bubbles (as mentioned in note 3)