The art of unmolding gelatin is easy to learn-it just takes a little practice.

Before unmolding gelatin, make certain that gelatin is completely firm it should not feel sticky on top and should not sag toward side if mold is tilted. If gelatin is firm, dip a small pointed knife in warm water and run tip of it around top edge of mold to loosen. Or moisten tips of fingers and gently pull gelatin from top edge of mold. When using disposable metal cans as molds, puncture bottoms –this makes it easier to unmold the gelatin because it eliminates any vacuum in cans, which are usually deeper in relationship to top surface than other molds.

Moisten top of gelatin and a chilled plate– the moist surfaces make it easier to slide the gelatin into the center of the plate after it has been unmolded.

Dip mold in warm water- do not use hot water as it will melt the gelatin. (If oven-proof glass, china, or paper containers are used as molds, the water should be slightly warmer.) Working quickly, dip the mold just to the rim in the warm water-about 10 seconds. Lift from water, hold upright, and shake slightly to loosen the gelatin from mold.

Invert moistened plate on mold. Always unmold gelatin on a chilled or ?cold plate or platter-a warm plate will melt the gelatin.

Then invert plate and mold together. Lift off mold carefully– if gelatin doesn’t release easily, dip the mold in warm water again. If necessary, move gelatin to center of plate.

NOTE: If desired, try this new way of unmolding gelatin. Oil mold slightly; then place a 1-inch strip of aluminum foil across bottom and up sides, letting it extend as tabs on both sides. Smooth foil to remove wrinkles and press to shape of mold. Add gelatin and chill until firm. Then moisten top of gelatin and a plate, place plate over gelatin, and invert together. Gently pull one of the tabs to break vacuum in mold; then remove mold and the foil strip.