Pickled Brains: Alcoholic Halloween Gelatin Brains For Adults Only
By Cheri Sicard

As the editor of a food and cooking website, you can imagine how many books about food and drink cross my desk. One of my recent (2004) favorites is Jiggelo: Inventive Gelatin Shots for Creative Imbibers (2004, Ten Speed Press). The book takes the humble Jell-O shot -- staple of frat parties across the nation -- to new levels of taste and sophistication.

While the contents are innovative and tasty, most of the recipes in the book take the traditional "shot" form (meaning they're served in small individual shot glass-sized portions). It wasn't until I started thinking about developing new Halloween content for FabulousFoods.com, that I had the brainstorm (pun intended) of using the brain gelatin molds we sell here at the site, for making alcoholic (AKA "pickled") gelatin brains -- perfect serving on a Halloween party buffet table or bar. Instead of individual shots, you could just make one large gelatin mold. Think of the brains as the equivalent of alcoholic punches that you eat instead of drink. In fact, tiny punch cups are a perfect vessel to hold small portions (1-2 tablespoons) as they leave room for garnishes.

Most of the recipes I've seen in the past for brain gelatin molds (which have been nonalcoholic, I've never seen alcohol versions before,which doesn't necessarily mean that they don't exist), have focused on achieving a gross looking"gray matter" color. While this might be anatomically correct, trust me, it won't make people want to eat it, regardless of how good it might taste. The infamous Kitty Litter Cake gets the same reaction -- nobody actually wants to eat the darn thing, but it sure is funny. So... I developed my brain Jell-O molds more with taste in mind,which usually means the colors, if not the shape, are at least somewhat palatable.

Garnishes
I like to serve different garnishes, depending on the flavor of the gelatin. For instance, for the White Russian Brain Recipe pictured above, I like to serve typical ice cream toppings on the side: ice cream, chocolate sauce, and chopped nuts and/or sweetened coconut. If I'm making something fruitier, fresh berries or even maraschino cherries work well. Strawberry or raspberry coulis, poured over the brain gives it a blood like appearance. Whipped cream goes with most gelatin shot recipes.

THIS IDEA IS FOR ADULTS ONLY. Be sure to warn your guests -- eating alcoholic gelatin brains is the equivalent of drinking a cocktail. Limit quantities accordingly and always DESIGNATE A DRIVER!

Be sure to also make a nonalcoholic brains (click for recipes) as alternatives.

Pickled Brain Recipes

For lots more recipes ideas that can easily be adapted to the brain gelatin molds, check out the book at right. Also, we'll be adding more Pickled Brain recipes here throughout the next month. In the meantime, here's one to get you started:

White Russian Brain Recipe