RedGage

 This was a recipe I chose based on what I wanted to drink at the moment. Should I make the Champagne Jello, or the Chocolate Lavender Pudding?It’s a Sunday afternoon and right on the border of summer the sky is still dropping little white flakes of snow. I am not going to dwell or make a political statement, just think about what drink goes with snow in May.Keep life as simple as you can.Do I want some coffee with Crème de Cocoa in it? Or champagne with little mandarin oranges in it?  Had a fair amount of coffee at IHOP with my grandchildren this morning, so….hum…Champagne it is, and you get the Mandarin Champagne Jello, because you already know how I feel about open bottles! If not, read this.. http://www.redgage.com/blogs/livingstonatlarge/poached-salmon-in-champagne-sauce.htmlThis is an elegant, super simple, jello you can use as a dessert, or a salad, depending on presentation. (Salad with a little mayo on a bed of lettuce. Dessert in a parfait or fancy glass with a bit of whipped cream.) Or even a single person, eat it out of a bowl at the sink treat.  Mandarin Mimosa Jello 
·      1 package orange jello·      1/2 cup water·      ½ cup mandarin orange juice·      1 cup champagne·      1 cup mandarin oranges Open the champagne and pour yourself a glass. (I used Cooks Brut)Open the mandarin oranges and drop a couple in your champagne.Test it out. Leave at least 1 cup for the recipe!Open the Jello and put it in a mixing bowl.Nuke the water.Open the mandarin oranges and scoop 1 cup out of the juice.Pour the hot water into the bowl with the Jello and stir it until it’s all dissolved.Add the ½ cup mandarin orange juiceAdd the 1 cup champagneMix it all up.Put the mandarin oranges in a bowl or a bunt pan. (I use a silicon pan so it’s really easy to get it out) Distribute them evenly.Pour the jello mix over everything. Some of the oranges will start to float, don’t worry about it.Put the whole thing in the fridge and chill until it sets (Allow 3-4 hours)When it’s done unmold it (If it sticks in whatever you put it in run some hot water along the sides until it melts enough to let loose.)That’s all. (Okay. You can add all kinds of fun garnishes and such or stand at the sink and eat it with a spoon all by yourself.)