Apricot Disaster?

I decided for my first attempt at Jell-O to try one from the Taste of Home website.  I also decided to make this for a pot luck luncheon at my work.  When picking this recipe I decided to look at the ingredients list rather than the directions.  I thought orange Jell-O with 7-up sounded light, and then with the addition of apricots it would add interest and texture.  

As I was making it I looked at the directions, and in step 2 I saw that I needed to blend the apricots and the orange juice concentrate, so there goes the texture.  

Then when I added the 7-up as the last ingredient the mixture foamed up and I freaked out that my kitchen would soon be immersed in orange sticky goo. 

Fortunately that did not happen.  I mixed it all together, put it in a plain deep bowl and covered in plastic wrap.  I put it in the refrigerator while thinking good thoughts of the firm Jell-O that would await me in the morning.  When I woke, I was like a child at Christmas, I couldn’t wait to open the fridge and see the wonderful Jell-O that was waiting there.   I took out the bowl and shook it.  The Jell-O was not very firm and moved away from the sides of the bowl.  Since I was taking it to work I decided to unmold it on a disposable plastic plate.  I inverted it and didn’t hear the sound of the Jell-O unmolding.  I shook the bowl a little and finally heard a schlop (not a nice little plop, but a schlop).   I was very scared to lift the bowl and see what was there.  The mold had plopped down and spread out a bit and there was a little indent in the side of it.  I was very glad that I used a plain bowl rather than a decorative one, because I believe the Jell-O would have just spread out into a smooth surface. 

 I then wrapped the whole thing in plastic wrap then foil.  I placed it on the floor of the passenger side of my car.  Every two minutes of my 30 minute commute to work I looked down at the Jell-O hoping I wouldn’t see orange goo seeping into my car.  I finally got to work without any seepage and placed it on the banquet table.  I quickly ran from the room hoping no one would blame me for the runny Jell-O. 

When it was my turn for lunch I checked out the Jell-O and a few people actually tried it.  I saw it on one coworker’s plate and told them I made it and asked how it was. I got a glowing review!  I then had several other coworkers try it and got more glowing reviews!!  I was even asked for the recipe by not 1 or 2 but 5 different people!!  Most of the staff thought it was very good and that it complemented our Italian feast nicely!  I of course told them that was my intention and I had planned it that way all along!  Although inside I was just glad that I wasn’t chased out of the building for the crazy apricot concoction!  I finally tried it myself and I thought the texture was a bit strange, not completely firm.  It was very tangy due to the orange juice concentrate.  But, for the most part it was very good and very refreshing!  

First attempt I will mark with 3 out of 4 stars! 

The following link is the recipe:

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Apricot-Orange-Gelatin-Salad-

Now, what to try next……am I brave enough for Jell-O with meat in it?   You’ll have to check back soon to see the answer to that!!