Homemade Paleo Jello | AIP, Paleo, and Kid-Friendly

Howdy! Welcome to Flawed yet Functional! Like many of you, I’m a mom, and I like to give my kids treats. What mom doesn’t? Since beginning my diet changes back in April 2017, we have committed to keeping the whole family on the same diet (There are a few caveats, but for the most part, it’s the same. Check out their thoughts here.). So where do fun, kid-friendly treats come in? Many are still possible with just a bit of tweaking. Today I’d like to show you easy homemade Paleo jello that is quick to whip up and the kids can help!

Ingredients

My primary goal in making gelatin from scratch is to eliminate additives, preservatives, food coloring, artificial flavors, and additional sugar. There is just so much junk in the boxed gelatin you can buy at the store! So I reached into my juice stash to make this gelatin without adding any additional sugar. These juice boxes (100% fruit!) are leftover from my insulin days when I would need quick glucose to fix a low. The stash has been sitting there for over a year just tempting my kids to drink it!

Yes, I am one of those moms who does not give her kids juice!

I used one box of juice and diluted it with water, because, again, I am THAT mom. Not only do I not give my kids juice on a regular basis, I surely don’t give it to them full strength! Juice is just pure sugar, folks; just like eating candy.

Get off your soapbox, Emily! Ok, back on track.

The gelatin I used was just regular Knox unflavored gelatin from the grocery store. I wish I had a grass-fed option on hand like this one, but I didn’t want to make a special trip out to the health food store. The kids wanted to make it now! Using higher quality gelatin would make this recipe have actual health value. Gelatin/collagen has many health benefits!

The blueberries we used were straight from our freezer. I didn’t thaw them a bit. The kiddos tossed a few in the cup then I poured the lukewarm gelatin over them and popped it in the fridge. Fresh blueberries would have had a better texture, but we all enjoyed the frozen ones just fine. 

**Update: The blueberries firmed up nicely after staying in the fridge overnight. So if frozen is your only option, make this jello ahead of time to allow more time to firm up.**

Incorporating Your Kids

I’m a big believer in getting your kids to help out in the kitchen. Where else will the next generation learn how to cook if not right by your side? This recipe is fast and easy making it a good one to do with your kids. Here’s how I did it:

Let each kid make their own batch. Each boy chose his own flavor of juice, bowl, and whisk. Then I let each kid whisk their bowl of cold juice water and gelatin to let it bloom.

Next, I poured in the boiling water while they continued to whisk until the gelatin was thoroughly mixed (And what kid doesn’t like to whisk??). Each boy continued whisking while I poured in the remaining juice water. Now it’s time to assemble the cups!

Let your kids put the fruit into the dessert cups. The boys, oh-so-carefully, filled the bottom of their cups with blueberries then I poured the gelatin on top.

We were all having such fun and everyone was getting along that I thought I could get a good picture of them. Nope. This is what I go when I asked them to smile. Oh well!

To be completely honest, I sort of dreaded starting this treat with my boys. They had asked for it, and I already said yes. However, the thought of making a mess in the kitchen on a hot day just didn’t sound appealing. Boy was I being a Negative Nancy! It took less than 10 minutes including taking pictures! It was so fast that my boys stayed interested the whole time, and that’s saying somethin’!

Even if it does make a mess, the memories are worth it, right?

Let me encourage you to look for treats to give or make with your kids even if you are on a restrictive diet. There’s always something! Gelatin is a naturally occurring ingredient and is good for you (so as long as you don’t add tons of sugar). Feel free to enjoy this sweet treat! Make this Homemade Fruit Gelatin with your little ones today!

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