Ribbon Layered Jello

My mom always shrugs off the accolades she receives for this jello by saying, "Yes, I can boil water!" It may be "just jello," but this is the holy grail of jello. If you can do this, you know you've made it! The directions are long and seem complex, and this will take you several hours to make, but be not afraid - once you get into a rhythm it's a cinch.

First: Choose your colors/opacity and the order they'll be in. Maybe write it down! (You can fit about 11 layers in a normal 9x13 glass pan.) You're going to work backwards (bottom to top). Spray a 9x13 clear glass pan with cooking spray. Also, prepare a shelf in your fridge for the jello - making sure it's level.

Layer Choices and Instructions:

Colored Clear Layer:
1 packet unflavored gelatin (like Knox)
1/4 c. cold water
1 c. boiling water
1 3oz. pkg. jello (color of your choice)

In a glass mixing bowl, sprinkle 1 packet gelatin over 1/4 c. cold water. Allow to sit for several minutes to activate. Then add 1 c. boiling water. Stir to dissolve gelatin. Then add 1 3oz. pkg. jello. Stir gently to avoid bubbles.

Colored Opaque Layer:
1 packet unflavored gelatin
1/4 c. cold water
1/2 c. boiling water
1 3oz. pkg. jello (color of your choice)
1/2 c. plain yogurt

In a glass mixing bowl, sprinkle 1 packet gelatin over 1/4 c. cold water. Allow to sit for several minutes to activate. Then add 1/2 c. boiling water. Stir to dissolve gelatin. Then add 1 3oz. pkg. jello. Stir until dissolved, then add 1/2 c. plain yogurt. Stir gently until smooth. (A whisk may work best for stirring in the yogurt.)

White Layer: *this makes enough for several layers
2 packets unflavored gelatin
1/2 c. cold water
1 c. boiling water
2 Tbs. sugar
1 c. plain yogurt

In a glass mixing bowl, sprinkle 2 packets gelatin over 1/2 c. cold water. Allow to sit for several minutes to activate. Then add 1 c. boiling water and 2 Tbs sugar. Stir to dissolve. Then add 1 c. plain yogurt. Stir gently (with a whisk if desired) until smooth. *Use only 1 cup of this mixture per layer. The rest can sit on the counter at room temp.

ASSEMBLY:
Prepare your first 1-2 layers. Pour first layer of jello mixture into prepared 9x13 pan. Pop any bubbles. Refrigerate for 15-20 min. Meanwhile make the next layer. After 15 min, check your first layer. If set, add the next layer by pouring it gently over the first. Repeat until finished!

Tips:
*Make sure each layer has cooled to room temperature before adding to jello.
*Staying about 2 layers ahead of yourself allows the jello to cool thoroughly.
*If jello cools too much in the bowl and starts to set, you can microwave it for 15 sec. at a time until it's just liquid again.
*Don't leave the jello refrigerating between layers for too long, or the next layer won't stick well.