Mini Jello Aquariums
So today is the day where we talk about my baby Jon David starting first grade this morning and I cry and you give me lots of hugs and candy.
Or money. That would probably help a little.
For some crazy reason, I thought Kindergarten would be the worst.
I mean, I stayed home with my son for 6 years. And when you are with someone all day every day, it’s more like dog years.
So what I’m saying is, I stayed home with my son for like 38 years (maybe?? I’m not sure how dog years work, so this is just an estimate) before the “government” ripped him away from me for an “education”
Sigh.
Whatever.
I let him go learn stuff. I got used to it.
But then this Summer I realized something–over the course of that school year, my sweet, snuggly, chubby baby turned into a tall, skinny man-child.
He insists on using Axe shampoo and body wash.
Instead of SpongeBob, he watches Man Vs. Wild and Dual Survival.
He asks me to take him to the sporting goods store to LOOK AT KNIVES. Sharp ones, too. Not those cute little butter knives you use at tea parties.
Also I have noticed that when other men are around, he talks with this weird deep voice that isn’t his normal voice.
If Kindergarten did this to him, I shudder to think of what is going to happen in First Grade.
He will probably come home with chest hairs and a six pack of beer or something.
Also, I just remembered that I forgot to tell you the very worst thing of all: Recently, he has been asking for HIS DAD to do stuff for him INSTEAD OF ME.
It’s like I’m living on a whole other planet that’s made of sadness and broken hearts and unfulfilled wishes.
So, I’m hoping that these cute treats this week will reel him back into the land of cozy hugs and storybook snuggles and hand holding. And Johnson’s Baby Wash. The End.
When I originally had the idea for these little aquariums, I thought I’d hit snack jackpot!! But a quick Google search informed me that Martha had a very similar idea. But hers was bigger and didn’t have candy aquarium rocks.
NO CANDY AQUARIUM ROCKS?!
And then I discovered why. Pouring liquid Jell-O over candy makes the candy squishy and gross. No good.
BUT THEN IT CAME TO ME IN A DREAM. (not really, I was awake)
If I let the Jell-O set up in the jars (like a mold) and then loosened it and dropped it in another jar with candy in the bottom, it wouldn’t get soggy.
So I did. And it worked. Easy!!
(click here for printable recipe)
INGREDIENTS
.25 oz box of Mixchief Add Soda! Jell-O
2 cups clear soda (Sprite, 7 Up)
Blue food coloring (you could also use light blue soda and omit the coloring)
4 half-pint canning jars
½ cup of small jelly beans (I used Hawaiian Punch jelly beans that I found at Walmart)
4 Swedish Fish candies
Pour gelatin powder in medium bowl. Boil ½ cup of soda, and pour boiling soda over gelatin. Stir for about 2 minutes, until completely dissolved. Add remaining 1 ½ cups of soda, along with a drop or two of coloring and stir. Divide gelatin evenly into 2 jars and place in the refrigerator for about 4 hours, until firm and fully set.
Place a handful of jelly beans in the bottom of the two remaining jars. Right before serving, loosen the set Jell-O from jars by running a knife along the edges. Place jar upside down over the jar with the jelly beans and give it a tap ¦it will fall right out and into place!
Cut two slits in the Jell-O and insert your Swedish Fish. Done!!
Makes 2 mini Jell-O aquariums.
Try not to put these together until you’re ready to serve them. Although the candy doesn’t get totally soggy and gross, the moisture from the Jell-O will compromise the quality of the jelly beans after a period of time.
Yes, I am aware that the previous sentence made me sound super smart. It was intentional.
I hope your little ones enjoy these!!
Have a wonderful Wednesday!!
Thanks for visiting my blog! I realize you could be doing more important things with your time. Like watching the news or washing socks. I hope you stay awhile. Much more fun than socks, I promise. 
“Not those cute little butter knives you use at tea parties.” Oh, Kristan. You make me smile.
I hope Jon David had a FABULOUS 1st day of first grade! And i hope you didn’t miss him too much. ?
bridget {bake at 350} recently posted..I’m not an ice cream stylist, nor do I play one on TV.
You could always “help” him fall and bump his knee or something. I mean, no major damage, but a kid always picks mom over dad when they’re hurt. Or these jello snack would probably work :). Thanks for making me laugh every day!
Tessa @ CookSewGrow recently posted..Beer Brisket
I agree with Tessa, thought the same thing while I was reading ;0) Great post. My “baby” is 16 now but you took me right back to those first, red-eyed days in my empty house.
You are killing me…You are hillarious! I am new reader, first time commenter…but had to say Hi and I enjoy your blog so much! You have some great ideas, I wanna make the lemon meringue cookies…yum!
christina recently posted..changes
I’m pretty sure that you need to do a tutorial on how to photograph food. I love your backgrounds! Is it paper? Fabric? What is it? Plus, the food itself is always pretty. HELP!
Babblin’ Brooke recently posted..Puff Paint
Paper. Usually scrapbook paper. And when I need extra color, I just scatter some candy or sprinkles around. Easy peasy!!
I’m not sure we can be friends anymore. I keep going back and forth between loving you for being so freakin’ funny and hating you for being such a cooler mom than me. Jello aquariums? Seriously? You are so fun and creative.
Karly recently posted..Tomato and Corn Pie
these are so stinkin’ adorable! Love the idea, and yours are way cooler than Marthas!
brilliant! love these – what a good mommy you are :0)
I’m sure these clever, cute treats will get you some hugs and kisses from your first grader!
Sue recently posted..Hello Kitty Cookies
Oh How Cute!! These would make super pool party treats….Wonder if they would work with multi colored Nerds candy in the bottom?? You come up with the cutest things. I too stayed home with my little man and it is amazing how much they seem to grow up once they start school.
Rita recently posted..Cinnamon Rolls
I originally tried with Nerds. I think it would be fine, but I used them before I figured out that I needed to let the Jell-O set up first, so they kept dissolving on me!! No bueno.
CUTEST. THING. EVER.
Sugar Loco – Jenny recently posted..kelvin natural slush co. in NYC
OH MY GOODNESS. I think you’re brilliant. I mean — this is SUCH a super cute idea, I’m obsessed with the aquarium rocks AND THEN you figured out how to do it without the candy getting all weirdy. THANK YOU! I can totally make these now. Because…I’ve tried them where you put the candy in the jello to begin with and…..eww.
Georganne recently posted..Back To School Apples
This post just made me MELT. Just remember that the bond between a mother and son is priceless and will never stop no matter how much he needs to test the waters of this whole being a boy thing : ) And he’s lucky to have such a creative mom, these are amazing. When I have kids I’m going to come to your site to be crafty and impressive like you.
Georgia Pellegrini recently posted..“Lemon Verbena Poached Peaches”
SO – cute, even if they are a little, uh, fishy?? lol FIRST grade is one of the BEST years ever — I taught first grade for many years and I don’t recall any chest hair, not that I was checking. If the tooth fairy wasn’t busy last year, she will be this year – you may need to have some caffeine ready for her. AND… the reading & writing just takes off (like they can read EVERYTHING you write, you know, like blogs & stuff). Anyway, I’m going through the same thing – my oldest just started the H word this week (high school)… she didn’t know anyone and first time at a public school — feels like the beginning of the end. She doesn’t have chest hair, but I bet she’s met a boy or two that does. okay, I think I need a scoop of chocolate ice cream or spoonful of whipped cream now….
Dianne@Baking4Six recently posted..Chocolate Ice Cream
Great idea! I’ve used blueberries for rocks – put them in the jar, pour just enough jello over to barely cover then chill to set the berries. Add more jello and chill. Cut slit to add Swedish fish. Fun to have one fish with his head out of the water, ready to jump!
I like the berries idea! cute!
Cute Idea !!
I can honestly Relate to your Comments…??? & the Time w/ Dad… & Not Mamma!! Walker will start 1st on MOnday…& I’m wondering myself what it will do to him..???
Hoping nothing drastic!!!
My Sweet little KInder Boy is Now turning into a LIttle Man…!!!????
Tear–Tear..!!!
Hope your days get better…!
Thanks for the SMILE..!! Enjoyed the Reading!!!
I hope he had a fantastic first day!! These are adorable Kristan!
TidyMom recently posted..Keep TidyMom with you!
So stinkin’ adorable—love this—love,love,love it!
really, really cute Kristan!!!
SMITH BITES recently posted..BLOOMINGTON BITES: CLASSIC CHOCOLATE CAKE
Love the whole idea and will totally try.I have 2 little ladys myself .I am feeling your pain and my heart bleeds for what we have lost and what we are about to go through:{I just keep telling myself that they will return in about 20 years and need our spare room if they have even moved out by then?Stay strong and keep cooking.xx
I’m not even sure how I found your blog….but geesh, you are FUNNY! I’ve been browsing around for a bit and I wanted to say thanks for the laughs!!!! :)
ha ha… awesome!!! I love how this turned out, and so clever to do the jello ahead of time to save the goodies at the bottom. Great idea!
I would LOVE to have you share this at my Friday, For the Kids Link Party! Stop by and share!!! http://SunScholars.blogspot.com
:)rachel
Rachel @ Sun Scholars recently posted..Guest Posters Wanted!
How adorable are these?! Maybe I should make something like this for the Spongebob party my almost four year old is clamoring for this year.
Melinda recently posted..Review and Giveaway!
You crack me up! Love the story and love the idea!
Heidi Zapolski recently posted..Zucchini Brownies
I hope you’re little man had a great day in school and I hope the alone time gets easier for you. I have 2 boys and it kills me when they pick daddy time over mommy time.I’m the fun one… ugghhh.
Those. Are. Adorable. (!)
heather recently posted..Mocha Swirl Cookies
This is the most amazing thing I have every seen!! I love it so much. I’m going to have to make these. Honestly Kristan you turn up a lot of adorable desserts but this one is by far my favorite. Good luck with Jon David! And tell him to stop looking at knives…hahah
Ali B recently posted..Almond Joy Cupcakes
Lord, I hope he didn’t come home from his first day in Grade 1 with a six-pack beer! If so, pack up and get back to the country. LOL
It’s a big transition for both Mommy and Son. Hope his first day went well, hope his year goes well. Very cute after school treat.
How creative are these!?! Too cute!
Emily@SoDomesticated recently posted..Easy Tuna Casserole…
thank you my dear sis; I love all your input for my boys and family! You’re the best!!!
THOSE ARE SO ADORABLE!!!!
P.S. The smell of Johnson’s baby wash gives me such joy. :]
Love, love, love it! Brilliant!!! Sincerely, Cindy Eckhart
Sweet Tea with Cindy recently posted..Hippopotamus at the Watering Hole Cupcakes
I know what you mean about your son. My son is going in to Kindergarten in a few weeks and I dread the day that you just explained. Ahh! Kids grow up too fast. Too bad they can’t stay little forever.
BTW, those little aquariums are so cute!
did you find that the fish got sorry and gross? I did this a while back (before blogging) and my fish went yuck on me.
mis-cakes recently posted..If He Is Wrong Then I Must Be Right
Well, I waited until the Jell-O was set and didn’t insert the fish until close to time to serve, so they didn’t get gross at all!!
Love this idea! How cute!!
You just made me really hungry for jelly beans…
This such a cute idea! I’ll definitely give it a try!
Kristin recently posted..Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Almond Buttercream Icing
oh my goodness! my 3 year old would love this! thanks for the idea!
ileena recently posted..Quesadilla Casserole
Oh those are the cutest! And I hope the first day of school goes well for both of you!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen recently posted..the language of food photography part 5 | creating moods with Ilva Beretta
My son needs to shave, it is breaks my heart. I keep telling my hubby it can wait a little longer, it is blonde. I remember when he was old enough to go places with my husband. I loved it but I missed that he wanted to be with me
Trooppetrie recently posted..We want to know Wednesday
You is brilliant.
Here’s to hoping he doesn’t end up at Hooters before the year is out.
Amy | She Wears Many Hats recently posted..What it is? No. 10 Reveal
Your words speak for all of us Moms of first graders. This is a great idea!
These are great!!
You should read the book, “Raising a son”. It talks of these very things. It is a great book.
Wow! I love ur blog! You always make me smile :-) i hope first day of class was great!
Very nice! Love the blog & your sarcasm. :)
Just remember, if public school changes yours son too much, you can always homeschool. ;)
You are a genius. The end.
This is so very very perfect. Just posted a link on EdibleCrafts! Maybe I can use Swedish Fish as a diversion for my own tears at my daughter’s 1st day Monday!
meaghan (the decorated cookie) recently posted..still no cookies, but microwaved applesauce
Total creative genius! And I can completely relate to your dialog. I have one entering 1st grade too. At home he’s all mine (okay, I share him a bit with the hubby), but as soon as we leave the house he’s all grown up! :(
My son is in the same boat. He begins first grade and he too wants to use hubby’s axe and deodarant. He tries to look “cool” by wearing a hat and sunglasses. He wants to spend time with my husband more than me…in fact sometimes he gets upset when he realizes that I’m going along for whatever ride we may be going on. He still watches Spongebob but he’s given up blues clues and all those cute shows. He loves Icarly and Victorious and after watching them I was a little disturbed. I mean they aren’t BAD shows…but they don’t have respect for parents…after all…where ARE Carly’s parents? lol. So now I’ve been recording Boy Meets World and Saved by the Bell. He loves them! I think it’s the age…it’s bittersweet.
Do you think these will work for my 17 year old who just started his SENIOR YEAR!! :(
Seriously adorable idea! And you can bet Im gonna be making these for his “after school/ home from work snack”
Awesome blog!!
?Tawny
It’s SOOOO hard when our babies grow up and become men. You’re not even there yet, just wait! All the boy scouts and I would walk home from elementary school every Thursday for a very long time. They were cute and fun and got tired walking home from school with me. Then it happened. They would run home with me barely able to keep up. They sprouted hairs and their legs got REALLY furry! Then the little cute (insanely expensive) Pottery Barn table that we sat at each week to do homework, fell apart – literally. Their long legs had pushed all the screws out of the table and it collapsed. It was easily fixed, but couldn’t be used anymore for the little boys that were now becoming young men. It all happens so fast. My son is now taller and bigger than his dad. He started his first day of being a SENIOR at high school today. Oh wow.
Cristin (Pinkie) recently posted..Red Riding Hood Inspired By J.W. Illustrations
Those are too fun! Love your creativity!
What a great idea! I was wondering the same thing about the jelly making the candies mushy too. Glad you cleared that up! I wish you were my neighbor, this looks awesome.
Katrina recently posted..Baked Sweet Potato Fries
I stayed home with all three of mine until the youngest was in third grade. I was mentally incapable of holding an adult conversation by that time, so when I make these for my girlfriends, no one will even roll their eyes. They all appreciate the goodies I make for them now and they don’t look at me like I am addled any more.
It does worry them that I am now in law enforcement, but I figure the years at home with my kids pretty much prepared me for anything.
I can’t wait to make these! You share the best stuff with us. Thank you!
I am totally anti-education. I think my kids should stay at home with me, not homeschooled (I don’t have that kind of patience) and we get to be on summer vacay all year long.
These treats are so adorable! You are so smart :)
Kristen recently posted..Give Grace
These are incredibly cute! Would it be alright with you if I featured this at Fun Family Crafts? I only link to you, I don’t copy the tutorial :) http://funfamilycrafts.com
Amanda recently posted..ABC Salt Dough Magnets
Absolutely!! Thanks :)
Cookbook Queen recently posted..Mini Jello Aquariums
Wow these are super neat! I have added this to the list of “must do during the first week of school to be a cool mom”…..
Trisha recently posted..Bonfire S’more Cupcakes
Just recently started following your blog and love all of your fabulous baking creations! Haven’t tried any yet but they all sound so yummy and this little fish idea..so fun! Definately going to have to attempt this one for my daughter!
These are wayyy too cute!! Definitely going to make them for a party! (:
Haley recently posted..Sunday Funday(:
These are absolutely adorable, Kristan! I know what you mean about them growing up and asking their Daddy’s to do stuff for them. It’s like that butter knife from a tea party (cause dull knives hurt worse) straight to the heart. These will certainly bring him back to Johnson’s Baby Wash and the hand holding. I just know it!
Robyn | Add a Pinch recently posted..Slow Cooker Beef Ziti Recipe
OMG these aquariums are amazing! They’re great for gifts because they’re so portable!
Becs@Lay the table recently posted..Cafe 164 opens!
CUTEST IDEA EVER.
Yours is totally better than Martha’s! :-)
Aww, I love these! They are pretty much the cutest things ever!!!
[...] When my son gets older and ask for a fish and aquarium, I wonder if he’d be okay with this? Much less work. Check out how to make these with your kids at Confessions of a Cookbook Queen. [...]
[...] Mini Jello Aquariums from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen [...]
[...] this unique craft idea for your little one on “Confessions of a Cookbook Queen“. Make a mini aquarium out of jello! Such a cool idea. It would be great to use a take [...]
Just stopping by to let you know that I have featured your project on Fun Family Crafts today! You can see it here
http://funfamilycrafts.com/mini-jello-aquariums/
If you have other kid friendly crafts, I’d love it if you would submit them :) If you would like to display a featured button on your site, you can grab one from the right side bar of your post above.
I just wanted to stop by and let you know that this project was not only featured on Fun Family Crafts in November, but made it to the TOP 5! Congratulations on such a popular post! If you would like a Top 5 button to display on your blog, you can grab it from the Top 5 post here http://funfamilycrafts.com/november-2011-top-posts/ Thanks for a great project!
You could always make them upside down. Pour the jello, let set, put in fish, cover with candy, put lid on and flip so the lid is the base. LOVE these, adorable. :)
#3 on Fun Family Crafts for November and NUMBER ONE most popular post for December! Just stopping by with congratulations (again)! http://funfamilycrafts.com/december-2011-top-posts/ Thanks!
I also have a first grader (boy) and know the feeling of
how much they change from Kindergarten to first grade. First grade has been harder on me than
Kindergardten also.
I found you on Pintrest and love this idea for the aquarium. We’re having a “fish theme” birthday
party for my soon to be 7 yr. old. I think this would make great party favors. Did you say the
rock candy didn’t work with your new method or you just decided to use jelly beans. I was
hoping to use rock candy if possible.
Thanks Again!
Your commentary on Kindergarten cracked me up! My little man starts next year, I guess now I have an idea of what I’m in for.
I thought Kindergarten was hard but then, wooosh, it was time to go to college and I have never recovered! My college baby will LOVE these! They never really grow up.
[...] she bakes and posts pictures, so just like me only funnier! I read this article about her “man child” that made me laugh so hard I almost peed in my pants. I didn’t though in case you [...]
I can’t wait to try these. First time reading your blog, love it. I have to say, I cried like a baby the day my son started school. I got a public facebook I love you from my now 22 year old today. They leave their mommas for a while but do find their way back eventually.
[...] above located at Confessions of a Cookbook Queen She has a cute way of doing another twist on an [...]
This is so cute. Just like you — and John David. I don’t know if I saw it somewhere or just dreamt it but I keep meaning to make something like this — in a small goldfish type bowl — with light blue jello, a gummy bear shark, and whipped cream waves. (Never thought of using soda for bubbles.) I never made it because I’m too cheap to pay $11 for a bowl I’d only use once or twice. But I do have plenty of canning jars available. No excuse now.
[...] Jello Fish Bowl (I didn’t have the time and money for the ingredients currently) [...]
First time I ever finished reading what someone had to write! I loved the humor and reality of your true to every good mom story!
Hi!
I love this creation! Would you mind if we shared it on the JELL-O Canada Facebook page, and provided a link to this blog post today?
Thanks!
[...] made edible aquariums in jars, frozen pie in jars, and cupcakes in jars, pudding in jars, and even brains in [...]
Well – I had the same amazing idea when looking at baby food jars today… so I, figuring that surely someone else has thought of this, did a quick google search….. Low and behold, I haven’t stumbled upon some unique and fantastic idea all on my own. Poo. :)
Good idea about the “aquarium rocks” from keeping them from getting soggy. I wouldn’t have considered that. Thought Nerds candy would make really cool aquarium rocks – especially if you use little baby food jars (though you wouldn’t be able to take the jello out after setting as the mouth is smaller than the base… unless there are straight baby food jars?). I’ve also seen a similar jell-o fish idea where you let it set in little, non-zip sandwhich bags to make it look like a goldfish that you won at a fair. Cute.
[...] felt like a party! I had also saved a bunch of my baby food jars and made jello aquariums I found here on Confessions of a Cookbook Queen’s Blog. Now hers turned out WAY better than mine and [...]
greetings from malaysia! you are hilarious! i got to know about this entry from the facebook group “Art & Parenting”. just thought of writing to you coz you made me chuckle many times just reading this one article. you take care. i’m going to read all your other posts now. cheers!
[...] 6. Mini Jello Aquariums from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen [...]
[...] View the Tutorial [...]
LOL….I have so enjoyed this post. I have 4 children and can totally relate to so many points that you make.