How To Make Miniature Pumpkin Spice Jello Shots

Truth: They are actually persimmons that just look like mini pumpkins. But damn if they don't taste and look delightful.

Mini Pumpkin Jello Shots

Recipe by Emily Fleischaker

Makes 10

ACTIVE TIME: 40 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 4 hours, 40 minutes

(because you have to let the Jello gel)

INGREDIENTS

Pumpkin Spice Jello

10 ripe, bright orange persimmons

1/2 cup pumpkin spice simple syrup (see below for recipe)

1 packet unflavored Knox gelatin

1 cup vodka

1/2 cup ginger beer or ginger ale

1/8 tsp vanilla extract

a few drops of orange food coloring

Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

3 cinnamon sticks

4-5 whole allspice

2 pieces candied ginger, chopped

2 pieces whole clove

1 whole nutmeg, cut in half or quarters

PREPARATION

First make the Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup: Combine 1/2 cup water with all spices in a saucepan. Heat to simmer then turn off heat and let sit while you prepare the persimmon cups, or overnight in the fridge if possible.  

Slice tops off of the persimmons. Using a melon baller, scoop out the inside of the persimmon, taking care to create a shell of even thickness. Place in muffin tin.

Put simple syrup in small saucepan and sprinkle with gelatin. Allow gelatin to soak for about two minutes. Heat over very low heat, stirring occasionally, until gelatin is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in vodka and vanilla and transfer to a container with a spout. Pour into persimmon cups. Refrigerate (also refrigerate the tops) until fully set, several hours or overnight. Serve with tops on.

First make the Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup: Combine 1/2 cup water with all spices in a saucepan.

Heat to simmer. Then turn off heat and let sit as long as it takes you to prepare the persimmon cups.

If you have time, let it sit overnight in the fridge so that the flavor infuses even more, but this isn't necessary.

Next make the persimmon cups.

Slice tops off of the persimmons.

Using a melon baller, scoop out the inside of the persimmons, taking care to create a shell of even thickness.

Place in muffin tin and put the cups in the fridge.

Strain the spices out of the simple syrup and return that to a saucepan.

Put the simple syrup you made in a saucepan and sprinkle it with gelatin.

Allow gelatin to soak for about two minutes. Then heat over very low heat, stirring occasionally, until gelatin is dissolved, about 2 minutes.

Add vodka and vanilla.

Transfer to a container with a spout (through a strainer if the mixture has formed clumps).

Add a few drops of orange food coloring.

Pour into persimmon cups.

Refrigerate (also refrigerate the tops) until fully set, several hours or overnight.

Serve with tops on and a spoon.