Jell-O... one of life's joys... the Kosher way!

Green Jell-O and pineapple slices! Yummmmm! (photo courtesy of "RicketyUS" on Flickr)

By Greg Knight

That the children may live long... And be beautiful and strong, tea and coffee and tobacco they despise, drink no liquor, and they eat but a very little meat; They are seeking to be great and good and wise. 

- In Our Lovely Deseret (Hymn #307)

At the onset of the 20th century, Apostle George Teasdale taught that, when it came to the Word of Wisdom, eating pork was a more serious breach than drinking tea or coffee.

Today, while the LDS Church still maintains that meat should be used sparingly, especially in the summer months, when protein is available from many sources, many fundamentalists hold the line when it comes to pork products. This includes (my favorite, unfortunately) sausages, bacon, hot dogs, pork chops, Jell-O, marshmallows and most alcoholic beverages (as a clarifying agent). Some forms of stearic acid (which is in a lot of food and beauty products) can also be sourced from swine, thus making it non-kosher and a no-no for fundamentalists that abstain from pork products.

This made me think. As a boy and young man raised in the LDS faith, it was always a weekend treat when mom would make green Jell-O, either plain (my favorite), or with veggies and fruit in the mix. Now, as a mature adult who is striving to live a good dietary law under the Word of Wisdom, I remarked, "How can I still have a Jell-O treat without the pork?!"

The answer came with a Google search. I had no idea that there was any such thing as kosher gelatin. Oh my surprise when I found some.

I am not endorsing any product, but OC Kosher sells Gefen gelatin that is kosher, and thus safe to use for those of us that follow a higher authority when it comes to our foods.

Here are some recipes I found that my mother (the ultimate arbiter of perfect Jell-O) would have recommended with gusto...

Mormons and Jell-O...

Mormons and Jell-O — what is the attraction

They find in this savory, jiggly concoction?

Perhaps, since they cannot drink coffee or tea,

This sugary treat is one small vice they need!

It's colorful, bright and the kids love the flavor.

Each recipe seems to have something to savor.

Jell-O is versatile — that much is true —

Just add this or that and it's something brand new!

But here is the secret they faithfully keep:

Mormons love Jell-O because it is CHEAP!

Janice Kapp Perry

You can reach me at fundamentalistmag@gmail.com.