Jell-O Cookies {Just Helen}

image from Just Helen (click for source)

(Review by Denise)

This pin was so cute I couldn’t help but check it out. Turns out: cute and simple! Just Helen  has a smart thing going with these colorful cookies. Check out her recipe here.

I would have loved to make all four flavors like she did–or at least two different flavors–but this desert heat is just too much for extended baking.  (I got lucky today because it was overcast and slightly cooler!) I used a pack of strawberry Jell-O we had on hand. I did not add any food coloring as the dough, but had I wanted a brighter pink I certainly could have. I used bright pink sprinkles on one tray, and red sprinkles on another. Both look good, but the pink blends in more. (My photo from my phone is below.)

Verdict? Great! They turned out perfectly–not crispy and not doughy. The strawberry flavor is noticeable; I wasn’t sure if it would be. (One more reason to try the other Jell-O flavors!) My girls, of course, would gobble any pretty pink dessert, but I had my doubts when it came to my 5th grade son. I thought the lack of chocolate chips alone would be a disappointment. He loves them! These would be great for a colorful birthday party or if your child’s school allows home-baked treats, don’t you think?

Strawberry 2 Ingredient Fudge

(Review by Denise)

Pinterest was a plethora of Valentine’s Day recipes, crafts, and decor for a while there.  I stumbled upon this pin for Strawberry 2 Ingredient Fudge by Cookies and Cups and thought it was the perfect non-chocolate choice. (I don’t know about you, but we are swimming in Valentine’s Day chocolates around here. Not complaining.) Check out the recipe here, along with Shelly’s sweet-n-snarky commentary. (I love when a post makes me smile. Don’t you?)

I’m not going to recap this one for you because it is really that simple. One little recap from me and there’d be no need to visit Cookies and Cups. (Visiting other friendly blogs is part of what I love about Pin. Eat. Review!)  So let’s skip to the grade….

Verdict? Pass. Mine didn’t turn out nearly as cute, but that’s not surprising. I should teach a course in motley food presentation. I decorated it with Valentine’s M&M’s. The kids liked it, of course. But the surprise came when they went to bed and my man announced to me, “I just ate, like, six of those Valentine bars. I feel so full.”  A good sign! (Word to the wise: don’t eat six.)

What do you think?