Ribbon Finger Jewels

This will take a little while, but it is well worth the wait.  Vary the colors of flavored gelatin with the season.  Use red, yellow and green for Christmas;  red and blue for patriotic holidays. 

4 (3-ounce) packages flavored gelatin, assorted flavors and colors
   6 packets unflavored gelatin
   1 can condensed sweetened milk
   7 cups boiling water

Flavored Gelatin Parts

To each flavored package of gelatin add 1 packet unflavored gelatin.  Add 1 cup boiling water and dissolve.  Let cool to room temperature.

Filling Parts

Dissolve 2 packets unflavored gelatin in 3 tablespoons boiling water.  Add condensed sweetened milk.  Add enough boiling water to make 3 cups total.  Let cool to room temperature.

Pour first flavor of flavored gelatin into glass dish approximately 9 x 13 inches and allow to set in refrigerator for 15 minutes. (Be sure dish sits level on the shelf.)   Pour over it 1 cup cooled filling mixture.  Let set in refrigerator for 15 minutes.  Repeat until all layers are set.  Cut in 1 ½ inch squares and carefully lift out of dish with metal spatula to serve.

Eat with the fingers.  These will keep well in an ice chest for picnics and other outings.

Variation

Use yellow and purple or multiple colors for Easter.   Instead of making in layers, plan a week or so ahead of time, collecting empty egg shells.  Remove whole eggs through a medium (1 to 1 ½ inch) size hole punched in the side of an egg.  Wash the egg shells very thoroughly in hot soapy water and store for later.  Prepare the gelatin and pour one color into each shell, filling to the top of the whole.  Let them set and remove as you would a boiled egg by crushing the shell.  Make a dozen or so and serve in a dish or bowl lined with shredded lettuce.  Makes a "jewel" of a centerpiece for the Easter table.(Audrey's note - we used to make them this way long before Jello came out with plastic egg molds, which I HIGHLY recommend using instead. I am leaving the recipe up mostly for nostalgia and so people know just how creative Mom could be.)