Homemade Fruit Jell-o
I have been playing around with Agar agar, trying to figure out how it works with different liquids; how much is needed to achieve the desired thickness. If you have not heard of it; Agar agar is a vegetarian substitute for gelatine, made from Algae.
I figured the best place to start would be to simply make Jell-o! This is a simple treat that only required 3 ingredients and my kids loved it. To quote my daughter, because it was just about the cutest thing she has ever said; “Oh Mommy, it’s just how I imagined!” My poor deprived child, eating Jell-o for the first time at age 5!
I have had issues recently with containers spilling in Ainnsley’s lunchbox when ever I pack something liquid-y; it never fails! I had a brilliant idea and decided to use some of my 125ml mason jars…. I have so many floating around right now; mid winter as we use up all of our preserves, they are taking over my cupboards! Why not put them to use?
Online, I found these super cute free printable lunchbox notes and I glued them to the top of the jars. Check them out here.
Now I totally want a circle cutter!
I made several batches, starting at 2tsp of agar agar and I ended up liking 3.5tsp the best. When I tried popping 1 out of the jar like a mould, it did break off a bit…maybe because it wasn’t a proper mould or maybe I will try it again with 4tsp of agar agar. I also think in the future I might water down the juice a little, as 100% juice is expensive and actually quite sweet and strong in flavour…watering it down a bit (as long as it still tastes good) would be more economical.
- •2-1/2 cups of 100% juice (not from concentrate) or nectar
- •3tbsp maple syrup
- •3-1/2tsp Agar agar FLAKES
- Place 1 cup of juice in a pot with maple syrup, the agar agar and whisk, allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes so the agar begins to dissolve.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat. Set timer right away for 1minute. Remove from heat and add the remaining 1.5 cups of juice.
- Pour liquid into jars and allow them to set over night or several hours
- Makes 7 – 125ml jars
Fascinating! I have thought about an alternative to the boxy sugary kind of jello that my family loves. While it's allergy-friendly, it's not very healthy. Thanks for this great recipe!
Thanks Michelle! It is nice when we can delight the kids with something to simple!
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