jello shots

recipes

Happy Hour: Ice Wine Jell-O Shots

I like to think I haven't changed much over the years, but one area that does take exception to this rule would be my drinking preferences.

I like to think I haven't changed much over the years, but one area that does take exception to this rule would be my drinking preferences. Over the past decade, Long Islands, Jägerbombs, and lemon drops have been replaced by Sazeracs, gin martinis, and my standby, the old-fashioned. But there is one thing I've been loathe to give up: Jell-O shots.

There's something irreplaceably interactive about Jell-O shots, which is why they've made their way onto New Year's Eve soirées in years past, or why I even enjoyed a few at a party at this year's Aspen Food & Wine Classic. But by far the coolest rendition I've ever encountered comes from Donatella Arpaia, who envisioned a classier shot made with ice wine and topped with half-frozen grapes.

For a greater departure from the world of red party cups and paper Jell-O shot holders, I offered shot "squares" at my last party in ceramic spoons topped with half-frozen Champagne grapes. Want to do the same? Then keep reading.

recipes

Happy Hour: Jell-O Shots Three Ways

I seriously thought I'd make it out of my 20s without ever having made Jell-O shots.

I seriously thought I'd make it out of my 20s without ever having made Jell-O shots. However, sometimes a party calls for a little extra fun.

Last week I was pulled aside and asked if I could make 60 Jell-O shots by the next day. Being YumSugar, I said sure thing, no problem; it wasn't until later that I went into panic mode. Jell-O shots? Seriously? How do I make them? What's the correct ratio? What do I serve them in? After a few minutes on Google, the panic went away, and soon I had several unpredictable flavors and a clever serving tip. So I bought my supplies, spent an hour in the kitchen, and the next day there were Jell-O shots in three flavors: margarita, classic cherry, and spiked tropical punch.

If you've always wanted to try Jell-O shots, get my recipes and tips on how to serve when you read more

recipes

Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Carving — Menu (Part II)

It’s Halloween, so there should be plenty of treats — both savory and sweet — at your pumpkin carving party.

It’s Halloween, so there should be plenty of treats — both savory and sweet — at your pumpkin carving party. I recommend offering one homemade treat and lots of store-bought goodies. Make pecan bars dipped in melted chocolate, then fill bowls with your favorite Halloween minis: Air-Heads, Reese’s Pieces, Kit-Kats, and candy corn.

Got extra time on your hands? Make spiked (or regular, if you don't drink) Jell-O jigglers in jack-o-lantern shapes. Want these devilish recipes? All you have to do is read more