Halloween is nearly here. If you’re having a Halloween party then why not make a jelly brain?
We use jelly brains to help show children how delicate their brains are. Thanks to the special jelly recipe, the texture and consistency of this tactile prop is very close to that of a human brain. So use this Halloween to learn about the brain and have some spooky fun.
Jelly brain recipe
You will need:
- 3 packs of jelly (strawberry, raspberry or blackcurrant will give a good colour!)
- 1 litre of cold water
- 1 tin of condensed milk
- Vegetable oil for greasing the mould
- Microwaveable jug or mixing bowl
- Jelly mould or large plastic bowl with aluminium foil and ½ pack of part-cooked spaghetti
Step 1: Make the Mould
- We would recommend purchasing a brain-shaped jelly mould. These can be found online but, if this is not possible, this is the next best method.
- Shape the tinfoil into an oval ‘brain’ shape and put it into your mixing bowl, resting on the sides (the liquid jelly will be quite heavy)
- Arrange the part-cooked spaghetti in the base and sides of the mould. This will give the jelly a wrinkly look, like the cerebral cortex, the outer part of the brain.
- Grease the mould with the vegetable oil.
Step 2: Make the Jelly
- Break all the jelly into cubes and place in your jug/bowl.
- Add 300ml cold water and heat on full power for 3 minutes, stirring every minute
- Leave for about ten minutes to cool then add a further 700ml of cold water
- Add the tin of condensed milk and whisk together with a fork
- Add your jelly to the mould and put it into the fridge overnight to set
- Once set, gently ease a knife around the edge of the mould to loosen the jelly – take your time! Depending on the mould used, it can be tricky to remove intact.
- If you’ve used them, carefully remove and discard the spaghetti strands
- Present it to your party and invite everyone to feel it! Be prepared to get sticky!