Spiked Rainbow Ribbon Salad

People who are having problems with things setting up/not staying together/messy layers: (1) Re-read the instructions and follow them carefully. Don't add the yogurt until just before you pour that layer. Make sure each layer is set-but-sticky (pulls on your finger a bit but doesn't come off on your finger.) Spoon the mixture onto each layer or pour it over a spoon. It's kind of a picky recipe but it seems to work well when I'm careful. (2) Read on to see how I've done it twice now, and see if you think any of my tricks would work for you. In addition to the bundt pan and a small saucepan, you'll want a whisk, a spoon, and a small ceramic/stoneware bowl (think cereal bowl). - Remember, this starts out slow and gets faster as time goes on. Check more often as you add more layers. - Start the gelatin mixture just like in the recipe. Fill the bowl with hot tap water and set it aside. - Once the gelatin is fully dissolved, add the vodka, whisk thoroughly, and put the transparent portion (3/4 c) into the measuring cup - mine are Pyrex, if that makes any difference. Put the measuring cup in the fridge (except for if it's the first layer, of course). - Dump the water out of the bowl, dry it off, and dump the rest of the gelatin mixture into the bowl. Set aside. - Once the previous layer is set-but-still-sticky, pull the bundt pan and the measuring cup out of the fridge. Holding the spoon just above the top of the previous layer, slowly pour the gelatin mixture into the pan. Return the pan to the fridge. - Rinse out the pan and measuring cup with hot water. Get the gelatin for the next layer blooming in the saucepan. - Once the gelatin has had a few minutes to hydrate, add the jello and turn the heat on the stove to low. - Once the transparent layer is set-but-sticky, dump the reserved gelatin mixture into the measuring cup, add the yogurt, whisk thoroughly, and pour in as before. - Rinse the bowl, measuring cup, and the spoon in hot water. - By this point, the next gelatin mixture should be dissolved, if it wasn't already. Once it dissolves, turn off the heat, add the vodka with your clean measuring cup, and go back to the second step above. Rinse, repeat until done. This seems to make the timing pretty easy-peasy for me. I'm pretty aggressive about pouring the layers as soon as the previous one is ready, though, but it seems to be fine in terms of having defined layers. Also, doing regular cleanup as part of the process means that there isn't all that much cleanup or even all that much hands-on time while I work on it.

Hi Anon - This recipe calls for one packet of gelatin per layer! Let us know how the fruit juice mixture works for you!

If I used this recipe with Flavored Vodka, Fruit Juice, and Knox...How many packets of Knox do I add to each layer?

Wow, these comments are making this dish seem far easer than it was. This was REALLY HARD to make! My creamed layer was always setup before my translucent layer. It was too difficult to judge, and thus control, the set-up time required for the various layers. In my case if I poured the creamed layer in before it set, it disrupted the jelled layer below it. If I let the jelled layer setup more, the creamed layer was too much like sticky, cottage cheese to spread out properly. Beyond that, with all the various color layers it made a terrible mess in the kitchen. I'm passing on this recipe in favor of something else that's just as good with more predictable results.

Also, it didn't take as long as the recipe calls for

I made this for a birthday for my aunt. I used Three Olives Loopy vodka which Is a fruit loop vodka, the layers molded perfectly!! I messed up a little on the yellowlayer by over cooling the yogurt mixture but it still turn out beautiful just likethe picture and it was a HUGE hit. I plan to make this again!

Made this yesterday with a friend using lemon-lime soda for the bulk liquid. We immersed our mold in a bath of cold salt water and cut the layering time down to a little over 90 minutes for all layers--it was a big hit with our fellowship for the Sunday potluck

To the anonymous below me. Yes. You can. If youd looked down one comment it told you to just use water.

Could u make it kid friendly?

viola, lol

Hi @xX_Food_Junkie_Xx! You’re right! You can simply swap out the alcohol for water for a kid-friendly dessert. Since you will be preparing it in the traditional way, check the gelatin box for recommended chilling times.

I was thinking of doing this for a birthday party, but would like to cut out the alcohol. Would replacing it with water be fine? Would I have to adjust the chilling times much?

Hi! Keep these refrigerated and they should stay good for 2-3 days!

Can I make this days in advance? If so, up to how many days would you say? Anyone?

Tupperware has some awesome molds right now..large and small sizes that work great for these recipes. http://my.tupperware.com/NANCYSTROSCHEIN I can easily hook you up!!

can the recipe be halved to yield 5 cups? I don't have a bundt pan and am thinking of using a muffin tin ( holds 6c of liquid) and making little "personal" ones

I was wondering if instant flavored jello can be used instead of the plain gelatin?

Hi Anon - If you leave out the yogurt/cream, you're layers will be see-through rather than the pictured opaque.

Can I make this without using any kind of yogurt or cream? I wanted to use just jello. Thanks!! I'm so exited to make it tomorrow :)

I made this for a day after Thanksgiving party and it was the hit of the party. I used a full bottle (just went with the recipe) of orange flavored Grey Goose and I reversed the colors accidentally. It was spectacular! It only took 3 1/2 hours vs. the 5 shown on the recipe. I increased the amount of jello in the last 2 rows so it would be even and it worked. I was going to make it for xmas, with just green and red, but ran out of time...I posted a pic on Facebook and everyone I knew wanted the recipe. I referred them all to this wonderful website. THANKS!!!!

I just made this yesterday and it was FANTASTIC! I used blueberry vodka and it was just great. HIGHLY recommended!

I am making it for the 3rd time and the raves never seem to be the same ..It is an AWESOME visual piece..I will continue to make this at all my family gatherings....Everyone should try to make this once!!!! Worth it!!!!!

Hi Anon - You will need a bundt pan that can accommodate at least 7 cups.

I made this for a Blessingway party over the weekend, with water instead of the booze, and everyone LOVED it!! I was told I was a jello celebrity and that it should be in a jello hall of fame! :) I of course gave credit where credit was due, but it did turn out really well, even though layers weren't quite as crisp as the photo. I'll try to post a photo. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?sk=wall#!/photo.php?fbid=10150307135201288&set=t.100000482134935&type=1&theater

does anyone have pics of their result that i can look at please?

I am pregnant so we made this without the alcohol and are very pleased with it. It is time consuming but well worth it. I was only able to do 4 colors but I think I just need a larger bundt pan or make my layers smaller and it will be fine. For some reason the purple jello mix did not get as creamy with the yogurt as the other colors, I don't know why. Next time.... I plan on make smaller layers, setting the bundt pan when its cooling on top of a bowl of ice in the fridge to speed up the cooling process, and adding alcohol!...after the baby comes of course.

Whipped Cream: the cream should be very cold and/or the bowl chilled. You might even place ice cubes in a bowl that sits Under the bowl holding the cream. Sugar is not added until you have beaten the cream with an electric mixer 'til it forms Peaks. A bit after soft peaks, but before it forms Butter.

I have a similar recipe. Instead of yogurt, use 3 tablespoons sour cream. DELICIOUS!!

i have a problem...the bundt pan i used was too small and i ran out of room to use all 6 flavors. what size bundt should i buy?

I haven't used real whipping cream in like 100 years. Would you add sugar to it first to whip it then add it to the jello?

@Anonymous You could probably use actual whipped cream (not non-dairy whipped topping) or cream cheese instead of yogurt. Not sure whether pudding would work with the gelatin, but those both will.

Any suggestions or ideas to use instead of yogurt? What about pudding?

@Anonymous: You can substitute cold water or cold juice for the alcohol.

Can I substitute water for the cold liquor? I want to make this for kids.

This was involved. The prep time and cooking time was about 3 hours for me. I did have some separation and had to be gentle when layering so as not to break through chilling layers. It was an amazing hit though, and people were in awe. I would make it again, perhaps in a cooler mold.

i can't wait to make this....wow....never have seen anything like it...

@Nana78: This recipe requires both flavored instant gelatin and plain gelatin for the right consistency.

Nana, I used instant Jell-O and it worked fine

I have tried making this once before, and it does in fact take up 5 hours. The results are wonderful, though it is not easy to get every layer to stick just right or to turn out as visible as one hopes for. Will definitely make this next time I have a party!

Could instant Jell-o be used instead of the cooking kind?

This looks stunning! I am going to get the stuff to make it tonight for my summer solstice party with my group for circle on tuesday!! I'll post an update on how it went then ;)

This was a HIT at my boyfriend's graduation party! A lot of work, but well worth the effort!!! :D