Cookie-cutter Blocks - fun!
This is based on the classic "finger jello" or juice-based Knox Blox variation, which skips the Jell-O powder for a cleaner fruit flavor. It uses the standard blooming method to ensure it sets properly with juice (which has natural acids and sugars that can affect gelling).
Juice Blocks (finger 'jello')
Yield: About 9 dozen 1-inch cubes (one 13x9-inch pan; scale as needed)
Pan: 13x9-inch baking dish (or 8x8 for a thicker, smaller batch)
28g unflavored gelatin powder , ~3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon or 4 packages of powdered gelatin
4 cups total fruit juice (e.g., Concord grape, pomegranate, apple cider, or a blend — 100% juice preferred for best flavor and gelling). Divide as: 1 cup cold + 3 cups heated.
Optional: 2 tablespoons honey, sugar, stevia drops (for art juices; skip for naturally sweet ones like grape).
Measure out 4 cups of your chosen juice. Pour 1 cup cold juice into a large mixing bowl.
Sprinkle the gelatin powder evenly over the cold juice. Let it bloom (soften/absorb) for about 1 minute — don't stir yet.
In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat the remaining 3 cups juice until very hot/near boiling (but not a full rolling boil if possible, to preserve flavor).
Pour the hot juice into the bloomed gelatin mixture. Stir vigorously for 3–5 minutes until the gelatin is completely dissolved (no granules visible). Add optional honey/sugar here and stir until mixed.
Pour the mixture into your pan. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until firm (about 3 hours).
Cut into 1-inch squares (or use cookie cutters for shapes). Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Juice choice: Concord grape and pomegranate work great — they have good natural pectin and flavor. Tart juices (like cranberry) may benefit from a bit of sweetener. Avoid juices with added pulp if you want smoother blox, or strain if needed.
Bulk gelatin notes: Bulk powder is interchangeable with packets by weight/volume. One Knox envelope ≈ 7g or ~2–2½ tsp (varies slightly by brand; the 3 Tbsp + 1 tsp total for 4 envelopes is a reliable standard). Measure by weight for precision if you have a scale. Different brands (e.g., Great Lakes) may vary slightly in strength — start with this amount and add ¼–½ tsp more next time if it's too soft.
Texture adjustments: For firmer blox (less jiggly), increase gelatin slightly (e.g., to ¼ cup total bulk). For softer, reduce a bit.
Scaling: Easy to double for a bigger batch. Half-batch works in an 8x8 or loaf pan.
Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for several days. They’re great for snacks, lunchboxes, or parties.
This version is simpler and more "from back in the day" focused on pure juice flavor without the artificial boost from Jell-O. Enjoy your homemade blox!
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