A packet of jelly powder costs very little and keeps for ages, which makes it one of the most useful things in the pantry. Beyond a plain bowl of jelly, there is a lot you can do with it. Here are five easy ideas, and the tips that make jelly set every time.
Getting the basics right
Dissolve one 80g packet of jelly powder in 250ml boiling water, stirring until the powder has completely disappeared. Add 250ml cold water, then pour into a bowl or cups and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
If you want a firmer set for cutting into shapes, use a little less cold water. For a softer, spoonable jelly, use a little more.
1. Fruit jelly cups
Drop a few spoonfuls of tinned fruit into small cups and pour over cooled strawberry jelly powder mixture. Chill until set. Use tinned fruit, because fresh pineapple, kiwi and papaya stop jelly from setting.
2. Two-colour layered jelly
Make one colour, for example mixed berry jelly powder, and chill it until set. Make a second colour, such as raspberry jelly powder, let it cool, then pour it gently over the back of a spoon onto the first layer. Chill again. Wait until the first layer is fully set, or the colours will mix.
3. Jelly whip
Make a packet of jelly with only 250ml boiling water and 100ml cold water. Cool it until it is thick and syrupy. Whip a tin of well-chilled evaporated milk until it is light and foamy, then fold the two together. Pour into a bowl and chill. It sets as a soft, creamy mousse.
4. Jelly and custard cups
Set a layer of jelly in glasses, then spoon over cooled custard made from custard powder. Top with whipped cream and sprinkles. They look good, and you can make them the day before.
5. A quick trifle
Layer cake pieces, fruit and set jelly, then add custard and cream on top. It is the same idea as the jelly and custard cups, in one big bowl.
Tips for jelly that always sets
- Dissolve completely. Any grains left in the bowl mean a patchy set.
- Measure the water. Too much is the most common reason jelly stays soft.
- Cool before adding to other layers. Warm jelly melts custard and cream.
- Skip fresh pineapple, kiwi, papaya and fresh figs. Their enzymes stop it from setting.
- Dip the mould in warm water for 10 seconds to turn out jelly in one piece.
Questions we get asked
How long does jelly take to set?
About 3 hours in the fridge. Setting in a shallow dish is faster than in a deep bowl.
Can I make jelly the day before?
Yes. It keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge, covered.
Can I freeze jelly?
We do not recommend it. Freezing breaks the texture and it turns watery when it thaws.
Why is my jelly rubbery?
Usually too little water. Keep to the packet measurements, or add a little extra water next time.
Stock up
There are jelly powders in lots of flavours in the full Modaks range, along with custard powder and sprinkles.
Not sure how much to order for a big batch? Call us on 011 857 1534 or reply to any of our emails and we will gladly work it out with you.
Happy baking.
The Modaks Kitchen