This was one of my favorite desserts growing up and had almost let it be forgotten until I was watching the latest and perhaps last X Files series in 2018 where Scully talks about her love of “Goop-O ABC.” She and Mulder go into a Roshomon-type discussion about flawed memories. Still, like Scully, the episode brought up those loving memories of this magical and “mysterious” dessert treat I loved.
While I don’t have the warm-fuzzy 4th of July ones like Scully, it did bring up fond memories the old kitchen cabinet/pantry (which later became the spot for the double oven), and the adventures I had exploring the contents. I would get up on a chair to scour the very top shelf in the hopes of finding some buried treasure in the back, like forgotten pudding mixes, Fizzies (later on that), and, of course, an envelope of Jell-O 123. One time, I hit pay dirt – a very “forgotten” envelope of Jell-O 123 that looked like it had stuck itself to the shelf in the 70’s. I asked Gma to make it and thankfully she said it was far too old. Jell-O 123 was finally discontinued in 1993 – but take heart! The X Files mystery on this dessert was cracked not long after the product was removed from the grocery store shelf which means you too can experience this magical dessert and with the added bonus of less effort than the original!
- (3 ounce) box any flavor Jello gelatin
- 1 1⁄2cups boiling water
- 1(8 ounce) container of frozen Cool Whip
- Stir boiling water into JELL-O in a bowl until dissolved.
- Add 2/3 of frozen COOL WHIP to same bowl one spoonful at a time, whisking until it is melted and blended.
- Pour into small clear drinking glasses.
- Refrigerate at least 3 hours, until set.
- Top layered dessert with remaining whipped topping and ENJOY!