Watermelon Lime Jello Shots

I've seen the idea of presenting jello shots in a citrus rind around the internet a few times, but when I saw how That's So Michelle made hers look like little watermelons, I knew I had to make them ASAP. So when I put together a BBQ/pool party for some friends on the 4th, I had my perfect opportunity to serve these adorable, boozy treats. I know last week I whined about being so busy studying for the boards, and it's true -- I've been holed up almost every day in my apartment -- but everyone needs a break, and these were the perfect compliment to my day of sanity.

I didn't want to commit too much time to the prep for this BBQ, because I knew I would easily accept any temptation to bake all day over studying, and I had to keep my focus. So these were a great compromise -- emptying out the limes took a bit of time, but overall they're not much harder than making Jello (which really only involves boiling water and stirring). I substituted a cup of vodka for the cup of cold water that the Jello box called for, which definitely makes some strong bites of Jello, but they're not that big so it's okay :) I really wanted to simulate the black watermelon seeds, so I used the pointy ends of mini chocolate chips to stick them into the Jello. Now, I realize the idea of chocolate mixed with fruity Jello might not sound totally appealing, but most of us really enjoyed it and appreciated it as a kind of "chaser" for the vodka. But just in case I still couldn't sell everyone on the idea, I left a few chocolate chip-free. I wonder if a black edible marker would have worked to just paint on black spots, if anyone gives that a try, let me know!

These jello shots were such a hit with everyone at the party -- bring them to a BBQ this summer and impress all of your friends. (And get them drunk, too!) If you, or your less-than-21 friends could do without a healthy dose of vodka, just omit it for cold water and serve these up to everyone. Hope everyone had a great 4th of July, only 1 week and 1 day until I can truly start enjoying my summer :)

Watermelon Lime Jello Shots

Idea adapted from That's So Michelle

10 limes, pulp removed

1 box red Jello (I used strawberry because my grocery store didn't carry watermelon flavored, but obviously if yours has watermelon - grab it!)

1 cup boiling water

1 cup cold vodka (Again, if you have melon flavored, go for it)

Mini chocolate chips

- Halve limes and use a paring knife around the edges of the halves to loosen the pulp from the rind. My technique was to do this, and then juice them with my KitchenAid attachment, which helped remove the loosened pulp. Plus, then I got a cup of freshly squeezed lime juice! I also used my (clean) fingers to finally help scrape out the resilient pulp under a running faucet. Set lime halves aside, empty side up.

- Add 1 cup of boiling water to the Jello powder, and stir for 2 minutes until fully dissolved.

- Stir in cup of cold vodka.

- Pour mixture into lime halves, filling all the way to the top.

- Chill Jello-limes in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each lime half in half again, making wedges.

- Stick in chocolate chips, if desired.

Recipe yields 40 wedges

Lined up and ready for a BBQ party!