Mamas Strawberry Jelly Food

FRESH HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY JELLO

Steps:

• In a saucepan cook the strawberries and 1 cup sugar over medium-low heat. If you are using fresh strawberries you may need to add 2 tablespoons of water. Cook until the fruit is softened. Frozen and VERY ripe fruit will cook faster.
• Use a regular or immersion hand blender to puree the fruit. Strain the seeds and return to the pot. Using a chinoise strainer will make the job go much faster.
• In a small bowl, pour the 3 packets of gelatin over 1/2 cup of water, making sure no dry powder remains. Let the gelatin sit until it "blooms" and absorbs all the water.
• Heat the strained puree to a simmer, turn off the heat and add the bloomed gelatin. Stir until the gelatin is melted and evenly distributed in the puree.
• Choose a mold that fits at least 5 cups. I used a silicone mold, such as the Lekue Imperial Monarch Mold.
• Fill the mold with 3/4 of the puree. Set the mold in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until a skin is formed on the top.
• Pour half the remaining puree into a bowl. Whip the heavy cream with 2 tablespoons sugar and add it to the puree in the bowl.
• Gently fold the cream into the puree.
• Add the cream/puree mixture to the mold, refrigerate for about 15 minutes, or until it has set slightly. Add the remaining strawberry puree to the top. Set in the refrigerator for about 3 hours or until well set.
• To un-mold the jello: fill a large vessel with hot water.
• Dip the jello into the hot water, being careful not to get water over the lip of the mold. You may need to use a knife to carefully separate the edge of the mold from the jello. Let the mold sit in the water for 15 to 30 seconds. Set the jello on a platter.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Use a thin bladed knife dipped in hot water to cut the jello.

MAMA'S STRAWBERRY JELLY

Steps:

• 1. Wash and remove caps from berries.
• 2. Crush berries and simmer for 15 minutes or so, covered, stirring occasionally.
• 3. Strain juice through several layers of cheesecloth.
• 4. Measure sugar; set aside.
• 5. Stir pectin into prepared juice in a medium size pan. Bring to a full boil over high heat.
• 6. Add sugar and return to a full rolling boil.
• 7. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, carefully ladle into hot, sterilized jars and seal (process if desired). Store in a cool, dry place.

STRAWBERRY JELLIES

Steps:

• Ask a grown-up to put 6 tsp boiling water into a jug. Sprinkle on the gelatine, then whisk carefully until it dissolves.
• Pour in the juice and whisk, making sure it's all mixed in.
• Pull the green hulls out of the strawberries. Use a knife to cut them into slices or small chunks.
• Put some pieces of strawberry into 6 glasses leaving a few to decorate at the end. They should be full but with plenty of room around them.
• Pour the juice into 6 glasses, filling them almost to the top. Put them on a plate or tray in the fridge to set. They will take about 4 hours to set.
• When the jellies are set, decorate with whipped cream and extra strawberries.

STRAWBERRY JELLY ROLL

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a rimmed 10-by-15-inch baking sheet with cooking spray, then line with parchment paper; spray the parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk to combine the cake flour, baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Set aside.
• In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and forms thick ribbons when the whisk is pulled away. Whisk in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. With a rubber spatula, fold in the flour mixture until completely combined.
• Using a handheld mixer (or stand mixer) fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites in a large bowl until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes on medium-high speed. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until completely combined.
• Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and spread with an offset spatula or spoon to evenly cover the parchment. Bake until the cake is springy when touched, about 10 minutes.
• Dust a clean kitchen towel with the 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar, turn the cake out onto the towel, and roll into a log. Let cool.
• Whip the cream, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla into stiff peaks. Set aside for the filling and topping.
• To assemble, unroll the cake and spread the strawberry jam to cover the cake. Top with some of the whipped cream mixture, and then roll the cake into a log. Transfer to a serving plate, seam-side down, and top with the remaining whipped cream. Garnish with mint sprigs.

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB JAM

Steps:

• Toss the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, lemon zest and juice and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a large saucepan to combine, then mash slightly to release some of the berry juice. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the mixture to macerate and the sugar to dissolve. Meanwhile, place a small plate in the freezer to chill; this will be used to test the doneness of the jam.
• Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. (See Cook's Note for flavor additions.) Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium low, stirring frequently. Continue to cook until the jam becomes thick and syrupy, about 1 1/2 hours. To test doneness, place a small amount of the jam onto the chilled plate and freeze for 2 minutes. Drag your finger or spoon through the jam. If the jam holds its shape and thickness, remove from the heat. If it's runny, continue to cook and test again in 5-minute increments. Once the jam has reached the right consistency, transfer to jars and cool completely before storing, covered tightly. Jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.