Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 1 packet of powdered gelatin (about 2 teaspoons)
- ½ cup cold water
Special Equipment Needed:
- Medium saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Jelly mold or individual ramekins
- Refrigerator
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, water, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla bean. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the blueberries have burst and the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a mixing bowl. Discard the solids.
4. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over ½ cup of cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften.
5. Add the softened gelatin to the blueberry mixture and whisk until fully dissolved.
6. Pour the mixture into a jelly mold or individual ramekins and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
7. To unmold the jelly, run a knife around the edge of the mold and dip the bottom of the mold in hot water for a few seconds. Invert onto a plate and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Temperature:
Cooking temperature: Medium-high heat
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 215
Total fat: 0.3g
Saturated fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 4mg
Total carbohydrates: 54g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugar: 50g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Frozen blueberries can be used instead of fresh.
- Lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice or orange juice.
- Vanilla bean can be substituted with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Variations:
- Raspberry and Vanilla Jelly: Substitute blueberries with raspberries.
- Mixed Berry Jelly: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
- Peach and Vanilla Jelly: Substitute blueberries with peeled and diced peaches.
Tips and Tricks:
- To prevent the jelly from sticking to the mold, lightly coat the mold with cooking spray or oil before pouring in the mixture.
- For a smoother texture, blend the blueberry mixture in a blender or food processor before straining.
- To add a bit of crunch, top the jelly with chopped nuts or granola before serving.
Storage Instructions:
Store the jelly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
The jelly is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the jelly on a plate with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
Garnishes:
Fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, granola.
Pairings:
This jelly pairs well with vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
Suggested Side Dishes:
This jelly can be served as a dessert or as a side dish with breakfast or brunch.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the jelly does not set, try adding more gelatin to the mixture.
- If the jelly is too firm, reduce the amount of gelatin used.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash the blueberries thoroughly before using them in the recipe.
- Store the jelly in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
Food History:
Jelly has been a popular dessert in Europe since the Middle Ages. It was traditionally made with fruit juice and sugar, and was often served as a sweet accompaniment to meat dishes.
Flavor Profiles:
This blueberry and vanilla jelly has a sweet and fruity flavor with a hint of vanilla.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this jelly as a dessert or as a side dish with breakfast or brunch.
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