Campari Jelly Food

TIPSY RHUBARB & BLOOD ORANGE JELLY

Steps:

• For the jelly, mix the blood orange juice, sugar and ginger together in a large saucepan over a medium heat for 5-10 mins until the sugar has dissolved. Add the rhubarb and poach it gently for 3-4 mins or until tender, being careful not to overcook, then remove from the heat. Skim off any foam, then stir in the Campari.
• Soak the gelatine in cold water for 5 mins and squeeze dry. Add to the blood orange liquid, stirring to dissolve. Brush the inside of 6 x 150ml dariole moulds (see tip, below) with cold water so that they are just damp.
• Lift the rhubarb out of the pan with a slotted spoon and divide two-thirds of it between the darioles. Pour the liquid over. Set aside the rest of the rhubarb and chill until needed. Allow the jellies to cool, then put in the fridge for at least 6 hrs or overnight until set.
• To make the custard, set a large bowl over iced water. Combine the cream, sugar and vanilla in a large saucepan and bring to the boil. Briefly whisk the egg yolks in another bowl, then whisk in a third of the hot cream mixture. Don't let it froth up, just make sure that everything combines smoothly.
• Pour this egg mixture back into the rest of the boiling cream, stirring all the time, until the custard is quite thick. Pour it into the bowl over iced water in order to prevent it overheating and curdling. Cover the surface with cling film to prevent a skin forming, then leave to cool. Chill until needed.
• To serve, pour a puddle of custard on 6 plates. Dip each dariole in hot water for a few secs, then turn out onto the custard. Top each jelly with a few poached rhubarb slices, and serve with the shortbread biscuits and any extra custard.

CAMPARI JELLY

Steps:

• Make simple syrup: Place sugar in a saucepan, add 2/3 cup water, bring to a simmer and cook just until sugar dissolves. Allow to cool to room temperature.
• In a bowl, mix Campari and simple syrup. Place gelatin in a small metal bowl or 1-cup metal measuring cup and pour 1/4 cup Campari mixture over it to soften it. When gelatin is soft, place bowl or cup in a shallow pan with simmering water below rim of bowl or cup. Simmer until gelatin mixture liquefies. Slowly whisk liquid gelatin into rest of Campari mixture. Stir in sparkling water.
• If using candies, divide them among 4 4-ounce or 6 3-ounce metal or silicon molds. Strain Campari mixture into molds. Refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours. Unmold onto dessert plates by first dipping molds in hot water for count of 20. Return plates to refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with orange jellies.

CAMPARI-POACHED PEARS WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine 2 cups cranberry-raspberry juice drink, 1 1/4 cups sugar, 1/2 cup Campari and orange peel strips in heavy large saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cover and reduce heat to very low, keeping poaching liquid hot.
• Peel pears, leaving stems attached. Rub pears all over with cut lemon halves. Using melon baller, remove cores through wide end of pears, then cut thin slice off wide ends so that pears can stand upright. Add pears to poaching liquid. Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat until pears are tender, turning occasionally, about 20 minutes. Cool pears in poaching liquid. Refrigerate until cold, at least 6 hours.
• Puree raspberries with their syrup, 2 tablespoons orange liqueur and currant jelly in blender. Strain raspberry sauce through fine sieve. Chill until cold, about 1 hour. (Pears and raspberry sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately and keep refrigerated.)
• Whisk mascarpone, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and remaining 2 tablespoons orange liqueur in bowl to blend.
• Spoon some raspberry sauce onto plates. Stand pears upright in center of sauce. Spoon dollops of mascarpone mixture alongside. Garnish with mint leaves and serve.