Thursday, June 30, 2011

Fruited Champagne Jelly Shot



Fruited Champagne Jelly Mold simply SHRIEKS patriotic fervor -
 in the subtlest, most dignified manner imaginable . .  .

So, the second July 4th Party is a bit of a fancier affair.  Not that the variegated display of gelatinized patriotism concocted for Party #1 would  be un-welcome at this event.  We just wish to pull out our culinary stops in a somewhat more restrained manner
, as the guest of honor will be none other than the supremely dashing Mr. M., who has taken leave of his large, shaded patio in the south of France for an all-too-brief visit to the Midwest.

Fruited Champagne Jelly Mold should be perfect - sounds kinda sophisticated, is light and refreshing for a hot afternoon, and is not, too too boozy (important for this event as the champagne will likely be flowing and Intern Doug will be shaking and pouring French 75s until his arms seize up.)  The internal garnish of fruit (red berries! blueberries!) provides venue for a discreet display of nationalist pride, without bonking anyone over the head with such.

Happy 4th of July everyone!!  Wherever you are, enjoy the fireworks, and have a jelly shot for goodness sake!  (And welcome back to the prairie Mr. M. - it has been far too long and we have missed you terribly!!)

XOXOX

Michelle


Fruited Champagne Jelly Shot Mold

Implements:  3 cup non-stick mini-bundt pan (this is the one I used)

Ingredients:
  • 3 cups champagne, sparkling wine or prosecco (divided)
  • 4 tbsp. sugar
  • 4 envelopes Knox gelatin
  • 1/2 cup peach schnapps
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
  • 8-10 large strawberries, sliced

Lightly spray bundt pan with cooking spray.  Wipe off the excess with a paper towel.  A slight residue should remain, just enough to help unmold your gelatin, without affecting the taste or appearance.

Pour 1 cup of the champagne and the sugar into a medium saucepan.   Sprinkle with the gelatin allow to soak for a minute or two. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the gelatin is dissolved (about 5 minutes).  Remove from heat.  Stir in the rest of the champagne and the schnapps.

Pour 1 1/2 cups of the gelatin mixture into the prepared mold.  Refrigerate until the gelatin is the consistency of egg whites (15 to 20 minutes).  Stir in the blueberries and return to the refrigerator for 5 minutes.  Place the sliced strawberries on top of the blueberry/gelatin layer, pouring a bit of liquid gelatin in over each layer, until the mold is full.  (You may have a bit of gelatin left over.)  Refrigerate until fully set (several hours or overnight).

To unmold, fill a larger container or clean sink with warm water (not too hot!).  With clean fingers, loosen the gelatin around the edges of the mold.  Next, dip the mold almost to the edge into the warm water for 10 seconds. Dry the bottom of the mold with a towel.  Place your serving plate on top of the mold and invert.  The gelatin should pop out.  If not, return the mold to the warm water bath and repeat.  

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Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Kir Royale-ly Pleased With Ourselves

Kir Royale cocktail


"Kir Royale?  Oh yes.  Lovely aperitif.  Friendly at holiday gatherings.  Nice with a cheese plate.  Shouldn't be a problem to gelatinize.," we said, with a tone excuding confidence and verve.  "Champagne base, plus creme de cassis . . . so simple!"

However, the first batch. . . . runny
The next . . . cement-y. 
Several additional attempts . . . equally unfortunate for a variety of un-palatable reasons.
The batch we wanted to take to the New Year's eve party . . . . . . huzzah! perfect on top, but WAIT - grainy on the bottom.   [sigh]

Finally, last week, a breakthrough in Kir Royale technology.  We feel like Mesdames Curie! Except without all the radiation of course.

Cheers,

JSTK
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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

The 78 Jelly Shots


Post amended 2/11/15. This jelly shot recipe was of the very first we created! We put it up on the internet for friends, at popular request, after a barbecue debut. Mind you, this was before Jelly Shot Test Kitchen was a blog or a book - it was just a repository and reference for friends and family. So we didn't do an intro or hello world type post or anything here. Sigh. Simple times. Hope you enjoy! 

This jelly shot is a riff on the French 78 cocktail, with champagne and St. Germain liqueur in place of the gin. It is very springtime-y!

"The 78" Jelly Shot

Recommended Pan:  Standard Loaf Pan (approximately 8” x 4”)

2/3 cup St. Germain liqueur
2/3 cup champagne, prosecco or cava
2/3 cup fresh grapefruit juice (strained to remove solids)
2 tsp sugar
2 envelopes Knox gelatin
Edible flowers for garnish, if desired

Combine grapefruit juice and champagne in a medium saucepan, sprinkle with gelatin.  Allow gelatin to soak for a minute or two.  Heat over low heat, stirring carefully and constantly, until gelatin is dissolved (approximately 5 minutes).  Remove from heat.  Stir in St. Germain.  Refrigerate until fully set (several hours or overnight).

To serve, cut into shapes and garnish as desired.  Makes 24-30 shots.  
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