Igor's Pickled Brain -- A White Russian Style Gelatin Cocktail

Note from Cheri: 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 Glatin Shots for Creative Imbibers (2004, Ten Speed Press). The book takes the humble Jell-O shot -- staple of frat parties accross 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 thinkingabout developing new Halloween content for Fabulous Foods.com, that I had the brainstorm (pun intended) This recipe -- my version of a gelatin White Russian-- is rich and creamy, and is sweet enough to serve as part of the dessert buffet. If you will be serving this right before eating, you you can garnish the "brain" with chocolate syrup. Use a squeeze bottle to pour over the mold --it will highlight the "brain's" details. A bowl of whipped cream on the side (such as the ceramic black cat bowl would be perfect. THIS DISH IS FOR ADULTS ONLY. Be sure to warn your guests -- this is the equivalent of drinking a cocktail. Limit quantities accordingly and always DESIGNATE A DRIVER! Be sure to also make a non-alcoholic brain (click for recipes) as an alternative. Click here for more ideas for Brain Gelatin Molds.

TIP: While the recipe (and a classic White Russian cocktail) we also like using Kamora, which is a bit sweeter and smoother than Kahlua. If you can find it, it's usuallylessexpensive too. Look for it if you're traveling to Mexico as it's easy to find there and usually a great bargain, even in the border towns.

2 1/2 cups cold whole milk or half and half, divided 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cold or at room temperature 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin 1/2 cup vanilla vodka 1/2 cup Kahlua or other coffee liqueuer* sugar to taste

Makes 1 Brain Gelatin Mold Prepare the mold by following instructions on the mold package to oil the mold and place in a bowl for stability. Pour 2 cups milk and coffee into a small saucepan and sprinkle with gelatin. Whisk the mixture well, then let it sit for 3 minutes. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a boil, whisking frequently to insure that gelatin dissolves. Immediately remove the pan from the heat, pour contents into another bowl and let the mixture cool for about 20 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Stir well and pour into the prepared gelatin mold. Chill until firm -- atleast 4 hours. To unmold, dip the bottom of mold in a bowl filled with hot water, taking care to not let any water get into the mold. Dipping the mold for a few seconds helps to loosen the gelatin from the mold. Remove fromwater and dry off the bottom ofthe mold. Place a serving platter over the bottomof the mold and flip both over. Carefully remove the mold from the gelatin. OPTIONAL GARNISHES I like to serve different garnishes withthis recipe, for instance: chocolate sauce, chopped nuts and/or sweetened coconut. BUY THE BRAIN! Fabulous Foods Halloween Store Buy the braingelatin mold as well as get everything you need to create professional looking carved pumpkins plus ultra cool Halloween decorations, party accessories and much more. Click here!   Click here for the FabulousFoods.com Cocktail Party Channel with party planning tips, recipes, and more.