Rainbow Jello

 Posting here so that I don't have to bug Brynn for the recipe every Thanksgiving. Some recipes call for sour cream instead of plain yogurt. Go with your preference. Also, plan to hang out at home for several hours while you make this (one hour per flavor of jello). And try to keep folks from opening the fridge door in between layers.

Ingredients

6 boxes Jello (small boxes) Assorted flavors: strawberry, orange, lemon, lime, raspberry, black cherry  
2 cups plain jello
water

Directions

You will be making two layers from each box of jello. Use a clear glass casserole dish. The 9x13 size works great for six colors. If your dish is a little smaller, use 5 colors instead of 6. 

1. Add one package of gelatin to one cup boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
2. Measure out ¾ cup of the gelatin mixture into a second container. To this container, add 1/3 cup of plain yogurt and whisk until it is smooth.
3. To the remaining jello, add 2 tablespoons cold water and mix. Pour this into a 9x13 clear baking dish and refrigerate until set (30 minutes).
4. After 30 minutes, pull your dish out of the refrigerator and pour the yogurt mixture over the first layer.
5. Place the dish back into the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to set.
6. Wash your measuring cups and prepare the next layer of jello the same way you made the first layer -- one cup of solid color jello and one mixed with yogurt.
7. Pour the clear jello mix over the top of the set layers. Then half an our later, add the yogurt mixture.
8. Keep repeating this process until you have all the layers done.
9. Cover with foil and refrigerate.
   

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

 So good! This recipe comes from sallysbakingaddiction.com.

Ingredients

1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) apple cider

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)*

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon apple pie spice*

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 Tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg, at room temperature

1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar

1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

1/2 cup (120ml) milk, at room temperature*

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice*

6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1. Reduce the apple cider: Stirring occasionally, simmer the apple cider in a small saucepan over low heat until you’re left with about 1/2 cup. Start checking at 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, etc. until you have 1/2 cup (120ml). Mine takes half an hour or more. If there are any spices or solids on top of your reduced apple cider, leave them. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray donut pan with non-stick spray. Set aside. NOTE: I use a silicone donut pan, and it works quite well.
3. Make the donuts: Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.
4. Whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together. Pour into the dry ingredients, add the reduced apple cider, and whisk everything together until smooth and combined. Batter will be slightly thick.
5. Spoon the batter into the donut cavities—for ease, I highly recommend using a large zipped-top bag. Cut a corner off the bottom of the bag and pipe the batter into each donut cup, filling about halfway. 
6. Bake for 10-11 minutes or until the edges and tops are lightly browned. To test, poke your finger into the top of the donut. If the donut bounces back, they’re done. Cool donuts for 2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack. Re-grease the pan and bake the remaining donut batter.
7. Coat the donuts: Combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice together in a medium bowl. Once cool enough to handle, dunk both sides of each donut in the melted butter, then generously in the apple spice topping.
8. Donuts are best served immediately. Leftovers keep well covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Best Homemade Brownies

 This recipe comes from the Love & Lemons blog, recommended by Jared. Fudgy brownies with crispy edges.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (can do with 1 cup)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
3/4 teaspoons sea salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup canola oil or extra-virgin olive oil**
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly spray an 8x8 baking dish (not a 9x9 dish or your brownies will overcook) with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, water, and vanilla.
4. Sprinkle the dry mix over the wet mix and stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan (it'll be thick - that's ok) and use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 40 to 48 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with only a few crumbs attached (note: it's better to pull the brownies out early than to leave them in too long). Cool completely before slicing.*** Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. These also freeze well!

NOTE: When these brownies come out of the oven, they'll be super gooey in the middle. Allow them to cool completely, about 2 hours, before you slice into them to give them a chance to set up. They'll continue to firm up the longer they're out of the oven. If you still prefer a firmer brownie, store them in the fridge.