Real Raspberry Applesauce Gelatin

My mom used to make this gelatin recipe all the time.  I don’t think a big family function could happen without this gelatin recipe being part of the menu.  I never really asked why but I think some reasons may have been that gelatin was a cheap way to feed a lot of people, it is a kid friendly recipe (and we have a lot of kids in our family), and the most important was that everyone really loved eating it.  The addition of applesauce to gelatin helps make it not so gelatinous, rubbery, and well gelatin like.  This raspberry applesauce gelatin is more creamy and fruity than any other gelatin recipe I have ever had which makes it so delicious.  Since this recipe is (or was) a sort of tradition in our family I just knew that I wanted to recreate it but in a healthy, real food way that everyone could feel good about eating again.

The traditional gelatin that comes in a cute little box in flavors you can’t even imagine doesn’t exactly fit the real food lifestyle.  Artificial flavors, artificial colors, and gelatin made from conventionally raised animals isn’t exactly what I would consider real food.  One box of Raspberry Jello contains:  SUGAR, GELATIN, ADIPIC ACID (FOR TARTNESS), CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE AND SODIUM CITRATE (CONTROL ACIDITY), FUMARIC ACID (FOR TARTNESS), RED 40.  I used to think of sugar free jello as a diet food, however those ingredients are much the same, swapping out sugar for aspartame:  WATER, GELATIN, ADIPIC ACID (FOR TARTNESS), SODIUM CITRATE (CONTROLS ACIDITY), CITRIC ACID (FOR TARTNESS), ASPARTAME* AND ACESULFAME POTASSIUM (SWEETENERS), SALT, RED 40, ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR. *PHENYLKETONURICS.

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium have studies suggesting their dangers.  Not to mention that can lead to increased sugar cravings which in the long run can contribute to weight gain.  I used to use artificial sweeteners religiously and in my own experience I have found that switching from no calorie sweeteners to natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, and dates have not caused me to gain weight.  These artificial sweeteners are no diet food for sure.

Artificial colors like Red 40 are made from petroleum and have been linked to hyperactivity in children.  In fact in Europe that have to have a warning label on products that contain artificial colors.  It pains me to see places like hospital, schools, and nursing homes have “food” products like these on the menu.  Are they doing more harm than good?  Especially when, with just a few more minutes of time, you can make your own gelatin with real food and no added sugar.

I know that some vegans and vegetarians out there may not approve of using gelatin (even grass fed) because well it is still made from animals.  I read an interesting article about “5 Reasons Why Even Vegetarians Should Eat Gelatin” that you should check out.  But hey I realize that gelatin may not be for everyone.  To many gelatin is considered to be a health food.  So to my mom…this one is for you!