Ribbon Jello

I made the mistake of making this jello at my daughter's first birthday party. It was such a hit that we continue to have this jello at least once a year. Usually someone will make it for Christmas. It is a long process to make, but well worth the effort. What is nice is that you can use any four jello colors. So for Christmas we concentrate on greens and reds. The summer time we will use other colors. Be creative, there are a lot of colors to choose from.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (3 ounce) package cherry gelatin
• 4 cups boiling water, divided
• 2 1/2 cups cold water, divided
• 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
• 2 cups milk (do not use skim milk)
  
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (3 ounce) package lemon gelatin
• 1 (3 ounce) package orange gelatin
• 1 (3 ounce) package lime gelatin

DIRECTIONS

1. In a bowl, dissolve cherry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Add 1/2 cup cold water; stir. Pour into a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. dish coated with nonstick cooking spray; refrigerate until set but not firm, about 30 minutes.
2. In a small saucepan, sprinkle unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Let stand for 1 minute. Stir in milk and sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until gelatin and sugar are dissolved.
3. Remove from the heat. Whisk in sour cream and vanilla until smooth. Spoon 1-2/3 cups creamy gelatin mixture over the first flavored layer. Chill until set but not firm. Prepare remaining flavored gelatin as directed for cherry gelatin. Alternately layer flavored gelatins with creamy gelatin layers, allowing each to set before adding next layer. Top with lime gelatin. Refrigerate overnight. Cut into squares.

This salad takes time to prepare since each layer must be set before the next layer is added.