I thought I'd start a thread for posting low carb copycat versions of our favorite condiments, mixes and seasonings, etc. There's no need to spend money on products that are loaded with sugar, starch and other questionable ingredients when we can easily make them at home. The homemade versions are often much cheaper too! To start off the thread, here's an aspartame-free recipe for jello:



NO CARB JELLO
2 packets unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup cold water
2 cups boiling water
1 package unsweetened Kool-Aid, any flavor
Liquid Splenda to equal 1 cup sugar *
1 1/2 cups cold water or ice cubes **

Put the 1/2 cup cold water in a large bowl or 8-cup measuring cup. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let stand about 5 minutes to soften. Meanwhile, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Bring the gelatin/water mixture just to a simmer in the microwave then stir in the boiling water; stir until the gelatin has dissolved completely. Stir in the Kool-aid and Splenda. Stir in the remaining 1 1/2 cups cold water or ice. If using ice cubes, add enough to bring the level of the liquid up to 4 cups. Stir until the ice has almost completely melted, removing any unmelted ice. Pour into 8 dessert dishes and chill until set.

Makes 8 half-cup servings

* If you don't have liquid Splenda, you can use up to 1/2 cup Da Vinci sugar free syrup in place of 1/2 cup of the boiling water and 1/2 cup of the sweetener. You could create some interesting flavors by mixing one flavor of Kool-Aid with a different flavor of syrup. I made a batch with black cherry Kool-Aid and some black cherry Torani syrup and I think it gave it a more realistic cherry flavor than Kool-Aid alone. I have some pineapple Kool-Aid that I'd like to try blending with coconut syrup for a piña colada flavor jello.

** If you're using a large glass measuring cup to make this, you can help the gelatin set up much more quickly by using ice cubes instead of cold water.

Per Serving: 7 Calories; 0g Fat; 1g Protein; trace Carbohydrate; 0g Dietary Fiber; 0g Net Carbs

If you use 1/2 cup Da Vinci syrup and 1/2 cup granular Splenda, here are the counts:

Per Serving: 14 Calories; 0g Fat; 1g Protein; 2g Carbohydrate; 0g Dietary Fiber; 2g Net Carbs

If you must use all granular Splenda, these are the counts:

19 Calories; 0g Fat; 1g Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; 0g Dietary Fiber; 3g Net Carbs

Oh I'm just gonna LOVE having you around, LindaSue!

LindaSue, I agree with Jimmy. You may become my favorite online personality after Mr. Moore. I have never been a great cook, and I have often fallen off the wagon so to speak because I can't come up with easy recipes that give my three boys what they want that I can also eat. I know there are a lot of low carb cookbooks out there, but I have looked at several and many of the recipes have what are strange ingredients to me. This one looks easy and yummy and I bet my boys won't be able to tell the difference. Thank you.

Linda,

I have to say you are amazing. I have copied so many recipes of yours. Thank you.

Rena

Hi Linda!

Oooh ooh, I've got a great idea and recipe for those who don't currently have a liquid version of Splenda:

I use Waist Watcher soda for the liquid! I like it as it is, but one might want to still add a couple more packets or drops to sweeten it up. They have a raspberry I want to try, but all I have now is root beer and cream soda.

I boiled 2 cups of cream soda in this case, dissolved 2 packets of knox gelatine in (I like my jello stiff). Watch out, mine foamed up to twice the size of the liquid. By the time you've stirred it for 2 minutes, most of the foam is gone. Add one more cup of soda, stir a little, and refrigerate.

It works! Soon, I will be trying to dissolve Splenda Quick-Packs (3g carb per cup equivalent) into my own liquid Splenda. Check out my other thread under Low-Carb Product Reviews to see how it goes. I also got a deal on Splenda that is essentially half the price you pay anywhere else, so check that out too while it lasts.

Curt

What a great idea, Curt. I saw your post about the Splenda Quick-Packs. You sure got a great deal!