“Red Hot Jello” (also known by other names. All pictures by Marylin Warner.)
Federico Fellini said, “Life is a combination of magic and pasta.”
Maybe he was right, but this soon after Thanksgiving, I suggest you try a different combination: a Red Hot Coke recipe, and a no-entry-fee-but-cash-prizes mini-writing contest.
First the recipe. This is easy, everyone loves it, and it’s been a favorite in our family for a very long time. We don’t remember who first shared it, and we’re not even sure what the actual name is. My grandchildren call it “Red Hot Coke Salad” and “Cinnamon Bubble Salad,” and the picture is above.
Here’s the ultra-easy recipe:
Pour one cup boiling water over one large pkg. of Cherry Jello mixed with 1 cup of red hot candies
Whisk or stir until mixed completely together
Add 1 cup of very cold water and 1 cup of chilled applesauce (we like chunky) and stir well
Stir in one-half cup of cold Coke (or Pepsi) Pour into a bowl and refrigerate
You can stop here and it’s VERY good. You can make it AMAZING by adding Cool Whip–use creamy.
When the Jello mixture is starting to set up, stir in ½ of a small container of softened Cool Whip and put the mixture back in the refrigerator. When it’s all set up, smooth the other ½ container of Cool Whip across the top. Serve to rave reviews.
Now that you’re energized, jump right into a very short, make-yourself-think-and-take-a-challenge writing contest. Remember several months ago when I published a blog that included a 10-word-max. writing contest. (Remember Hemingway’s 6-word story: “For Sale: Baby shoes. Never Used.”)
Well this contest gives you much more room to write. Create a piece of prose between 20 words and 40 words that tells, shows or evokes a complete story idea. Oh, and anywhere in the story–just once and ONLY ONCE–use the word “refrigerator.”
Oh, wow! This ties in with the refrigerated Jello recipe, too! Is that serendipity or what?
The salad can be served any time. The story deadline (submitted online) is next Friday, December 5, before midnight (Eastern Time). No entry free. Cash prizes. Details at: www.OnThePremises.com
Before her dementia, this is the kind of the thing Mom and I used to do long-distance. Now she’ll still love the Jello, but she won’t know who I am or that I fixed it. And she’s not writing any more, not even 20 words. But I’m doing both the Red Hot Coke Salad and the mini-writing contest, and I hope you’ll try either one—or both—with me!
One of my mother’s favorite writers, Erma Bombeck, once said, “I am not a glutton ~ I am an explorer of food.” What a magic combination: exploring both food and writing opportunities!
Another thanks to the Brits for the “Keep Calm” philosophy; I say “have a cupcake and WRITE!”
Need something besides Red Hot Jello to buzz you up for writing? Stay calm and try Cherry-chocolate-fudge cupcakes!
Things I Want To Tell My Mother 