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Lemon Slice Jell-O Shots (Night Shoot)

Writer's picture: J. M. WhiteJ. M. White

Updated: Jun 18, 2020



Indie Author Spotlight: David Sodergren


Scare Level: A white-knuckled read.


I want to talk about Sodergren’s newest book Night Shoot. Why? Because I’m always up for a slasher movie (yes, I said movie on a book blog). 80s slashers and 90s slashers, I love them all. Except for the Child's Play franchise. Well, the first one is good, but I’m not going to get into that now.


When we think of slashers, we are bombarded with images of Freddy Kruger, Jason, Mike Myers, and maybe even the freaky mutants from The Hills Have Eyes. We think of stupid, good-looking college kids who are too drunk to realize they are being stalked by a masked lunatic. Perhaps you’ve even been partying at a desolate cabin, hear a strange noise, and think: Oh god! I am one of those obliviously stupid idiots, right before realizing the sound you heard was just a raccoon. Either way, when we think of slashers we usually don’t think of books (unless you’re like me and have already been traumatized by Off Season by Jack Ketchum).


Well, I’m here to tell you that the next time you have a slasher read urge—pick up Night Shoot. You won’t be disappointed. Sodergren breathes fresh air into this gory sub-genre. Although he uses a lot of the classic slasher clichés, what sets Sodergren apart is his ability to develop fully realized characters that you actually care about. Instead of partying blank-eyed college students, Sodergren gives us hardworking film students who, ironically, are just trying to make a decent horror movie. Come on, that's a fun plot.


Oh, and anyone who thinks they know how this story will end because slashers always end the same, think again. You will be shocked. You may even cry a little like me.



What’s the Plot?

A group of student filmmakers break into the Crawford Manor for an unauthorized night shoot. They have no choice. Their lead actress quit. They’re out of time. They’re out of money. They’re out of luck. But, Crawford Manor has a past that won’t stay dead, and the crew is about to come face-to-face with the hideous secret that stalks the halls.



Whatcha Drinkin’?

I’m pairing Nigh Shoot with these Lemon Slice Jello Shots. Why you ask? Because both the book and these shots are unconventional, zany, and totally fun. The shots look impressive but are relatively easy to make. Just be warned, they do require time to chill in the refrigerator. Plan to make ahead.


Lemon Slice Jell-O Shots

_________________________________________________________

Yield: 10 servings



What You Need:


- 5 large lemons

- 1 3oz box of lemon-flavored Jell-O

- 1 cup boiling water

- 1/2 cup cold water

- 1 cup vodka or white rum

- 2 tbsp lemon juice



What You Do:


1. Rinse lemons and slice lengthwise. Cut around the edge of pulp with a paring knife, then use a spoon to remove. Careful of breaking the rind (Jell-O will leak). Set pulp aside in a separate bowl.

2. Place empty lemon halves in a muffin tin or glass container open side up, so they look like little bowls.

3. Prepare Jell-O mixture. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in Jell-O packet until dissolved. Then, stir in 1/2 cup cold water, 1 cup vodka, and squeeze 2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice from discarded pulp (careful of seeds).

4. Fill each lemon halve with Jell-O mixture. Transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours (I recommend chilling overnight).

5. Remove lemon halves from the refrigerator and slice into wedges with a sharp non-serrated knife. Serve immediately.




*Due to lemon size, I could only cut mine in half. However, depending on size, you may be able to cut your lemon into thirds.


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