How to make a Brain.

My art director, Marco Mujica, was kind enough to share his recipe for the Jello-mold brain that we made for the production. You can see the result in the trailer, for reference:

Marco's Incredible Edible Brain Recipe

Note: this recipe is for a durable brain. It was made to withstand several shots of it being dropped.

You will need:

1 gelatin brain mold
¼ stick of shortening (or butter)
1 bag of large marshmallows
3 packets (6 oz) of raspberry gelatin
1 ½ cup boiling water
1 ½ cup cold water
1 cup corn syrup
1 small bottle of red food coloring
1 small bottle of blue food coloring (optional)
1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup (optional)

Directions:

Lubricate the inside of the brain mold with a thin layer of shortening and set aside. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with a handful of large marshmallows. Microwave for 30 seconds, then immediately whip with a brush. Quickly coat the inside of the brain mold with marshmallow. Repeat till you have about a quarter-inch layer of marshmallow. Chances are that the marshmallow will begin to bunch up on the bottom of the mold. Rinse your hands with water and kneed the excess marshmallow till you have an even distribution. Leave extra marshmallow at the top to allow for shrinking. Check the outside of the mold to make sure you have no air pockets between the mold and marshmallow. Put mold into freezer for 24 hours.

After marshmallow has frozen, flip mold upside down and pour hot water on it. After a moment, delicately remove the marshmallow, starting at the brain stem and working your way around. Place marshmallow over an upside-down bowl and place back in the freezer.

Empty the gelatin packets into a medium sauce pan. Boil 1 1/2 cups of water. Slowly pour the hot water into the gelatin, stirring as you pour. Stir till the powder is fully dissolved. Pour 1 1/2 cups of cold water and stir. Pour into mold and refrigerate till gelatin has solidified. Since this recipe uses eight times more gelatin than the standard recipe, refrigeration will take a considerably longer amount of time. Allow several days for this step.

Once the gelatin is finished, flip the mold over a plate. Pull the sides apart till the brain begins to separate. Remove marshmallow mold from freezer. Allow to thaw till it is pliable. Place marshmallow over gelatin. Pour red food coloring onto marshmallow. Massage coloring into brain, making sure no white shows. Mix red food coloring and corn syrup till dye is evenly mixed. Add blue food coloring and chocolate syrup till you get the color that you prefer. Pour mixture evenly over brain. With a sharp knife, cut excess marshmallow from the bottom edges of the brain.

Prep. time: 4+ days
Serves: 6 zombies

Keep this recipe for your next Brain-themed party!


Thanks again to Marco for sharing this.