How to make gelatin desserts w/o buying the expensive boxes?

[spbphil]

I've been making sugar-free Jello from packages. But these contain apartame, and--in my opinion--paying over $1 for a bit of plain gelatin, apartame, and some flavor seems expensive.

I know there are recipes for making gelatin desserts using fruit juice.

BUT are there recipes for using plain gelatin, Splenda, and some sort of flavor as a substitute for boxed Jello?

Specifically, what kinds of flavorings will work?

[NulloModo]

you could use essential oils, which go a long way, or davinci flavored syrups if you wanted. However, $1 a box is pretty damn cheap, you will make out better in the long run with bulk gelatin and essential oils, but will pay more up front.

[scott123]

I'm hoping to eventually make citrus jello (orange, lemon, lime) by adding zest to the water before I add the gelatin (and, for the lemon/lime, using a little juice). I just haven't gotten to it yet. I'm not a big aspartame fan anyway. Besides, if I make the jello myself, I can go the multiple sweetener route.

Natural zest would be about a thousand times tastier than the artificial flavors you get in those packs.

Yes, it may end up costing more/being a bit of a hassle to make, but it could be the best sf jello you'll ever eat

Do you own a good zester?

[pammie]

try making a yummy coffee jelly!
just make up a strong pot of coffee (instant is fine) and sweeten it a bit. throw in some gelatin and let it set up. top it will whipped cream mixed with a bit of cinanamon...yummy!

and if you have clear coffee mugs it looks really cool if you let it set up in the coffee mug!

[2big4mysize]

you can use plain gelatin and diet soda the recipe is in the data base or on a box of Knox gelatin. you can use unsweetened koolaide mix and use splenda as the sweetener but it will be a bit tarter then regular jello.

[spbphil]

Thanks!

Thanks for the great--and VARIED--ideas. Yum!