MARTHASTEWART.COM

Fish Bowl Gelatin

To make the soda go flat, twist off cap, and let the bottle stand at room temperature overnight.
Martha Stewart Kids, Summer/Fall
  • Yield Fills a 2 1/2-quart fish or glass bowl
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Ingredients

  • 1 two-liter bottle lemon-lime soda, flat
  • 4 1/4-ounce packages unflavored gelatin
  • 2 drops blue food coloring
  • 2 ounces gummy fish

Directions

  1. Place 1 cup soda in a large bowl. Sprinkle gelatin evenly over soda, and let stand to soften, about 5 minutes.

  2. Place 2 cups soda in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until just before a boil. Add the softened gelatin, stirring to dissolve the gelatin completely over the heat, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the remaining soda and food coloring, and stir to combine. Pour the liquid into the fish bowl. Using a damp paper towel, carefully remove any bubbles that have formed on the surface. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill overnight.

  3. When ready to serve, use a sharp knife to make vertical slits in the gelatin; insert the fish in a random pattern to make it look as though they are swimming in the bowl. Keep refrigerated until serving. Serve within 6 hours.

Recipe Reviews

  • mamaccscott
    19 Feb, 2013

    I made this recipe over the weekend for my grandchildren and on their first bite they spit it out. The seven up gelatin had no flavor and making it was not easy either. When you cut into it, you have to dip the knife in hot water first or it just tears up the jello. But don't even waste your time. Use the recipe with blue jello. I am trying that one next.

  • Sarahlynn
    7 Sep, 2012

    Also does anyone know if I can add nerds to the bottom so it looks more like a fish tank. I'm worried the colors will dissolve??

  • Sarahlynn
    7 Sep, 2012

    Where do I find gummi fishes?? All I can find are the red sweedish fish, I want multi colored fishes......help please;-)

  • Brie Conway
    8 Jul, 2012

    ;)

  • Amber Box
    5 Jul, 2012

    can you use blueberry jello???

  • edithloc
    24 Apr, 2012

    why the soda has to go flat first?
    i try another recipe and didnt work the bubles dissapear
    i want to try this but it doesnt make sense to make the soda go flat please give me tips to nail this recipe

  • goldenkarma787
    7 Oct, 2011

    Like layner said, we all tried blue powder and it just turns out terrible. I'm mixing Martha's method with the mini individual ones from cofessionsofacookbookqueen.com. I'm making them in little Ball jars and adding Nerds to the top like pebbles just before serving. I'll put the lid on and display upside down! The kids are going to love them!

  • shoof
    26 Sep, 2011

    I made this for an "under the sea" themed kids birthday party, and it was a huge hit! made two batches to fill my pampered chef trifle bowl and had some left over. I added 2 tbsp sugar to the saucepan and dissolved over heat to sweeten it just a little. The taste is light and refreshing-- not syrupy sweet. Also, to flatten the soda faster, pour it in a bowl and whisk until it stops fizzing- takes less than 5 min. Served in clear cups with whipped cream on top and a gummy fish to garnish. cute!

  • sarabentley
    13 Aug, 2011

    Because of layner's review I almost didn't try this. But I'm glad I did! Turned out great! The coloring was on point, it looked like natural water. The only mistake I made was putting the fish in too early. It HAD fully set, but the fish were put in so early that by the time I served it they absorbed the liquid & looked gushy. BTW blue jello is a terrible idea. Tried that first & failed. Martha had it right. Tip: Get the fish wet before sliding them in the slits so they don't pull on the jello.

  • layner
    16 Jul, 2010

    Tried that--way too dark! Looked more like dirty pond water than aquarium water...

  • mrsmagoo2005
    15 Aug, 2009

    Why not just use a blue jello powder??