FANCY JELLO SHOTS RECIPES

Steps:

• In a saucepan cook the strawberries and 1 cup sugar over medium-low heat. If you are using fresh strawberries you may need to add 2 tablespoons of water. Cook until the fruit is softened. Frozen and VERY ripe fruit will cook faster.
• Use a regular or immersion hand blender to puree the fruit. Strain the seeds and return to the pot. Using a chinoise strainer will make the job go much faster.
• In a small bowl, pour the 3 packets of gelatin over 1/2 cup of water, making sure no dry powder remains. Let the gelatin sit until it "blooms" and absorbs all the water.
• Heat the strained puree to a simmer, turn off the heat and add the bloomed gelatin. Stir until the gelatin is melted and evenly distributed in the puree.
• Choose a mold that fits at least 5 cups. I used a silicone mold, such as the Lekue Imperial Monarch Mold.
• Fill the mold with 3/4 of the puree. Set the mold in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until a skin is formed on the top.
• Pour half the remaining puree into a bowl. Whip the heavy cream with 2 tablespoons sugar and add it to the puree in the bowl.
• Gently fold the cream into the puree.
• Add the cream/puree mixture to the mold, refrigerate for about 15 minutes, or until it has set slightly. Add the remaining strawberry puree to the top. Set in the refrigerator for about 3 hours or until well set.
• To un-mold the jello: fill a large vessel with hot water.
• Dip the jello into the hot water, being careful not to get water over the lip of the mold. You may need to use a knife to carefully separate the edge of the mold from the jello. Let the mold sit in the water for 15 to 30 seconds. Set the jello on a platter.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Use a thin bladed knife dipped in hot water to cut the jello.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside. In a food processor, process the pecans until finely ground. You should end up with 1/2 cup of ground pecans. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar and honey over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Bring just to a boil and then remove from the heat. Stir in the ground pecans, flour, salt and vanilla until just combined. Let the batter cool for 4-5 minutes. Drop by the teaspoonful onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 3 inches between the cookies. You should have 6-8 per baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are evenly browned. Let cool on the baking sheet for several minutes until they start to firm up and then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. In a small bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave at 50% power, stirring after every 30 seconds until almost completely melted. Continue stirring until the chocolate is totally melted and then drizzle it over the cooled cookies. Let the chocolate set and then store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days.