Summer Recipe- Wonderful Refreshing Grass Jelly

Grass Jelly is a wonderfully refreshing jelly with a glassy smooth texture. Similar to agar agar, it’s plant-based and is vegetarian. (Grass Jelly is made from the leaves of the cincau plant, a member of the mint family.) This jiggly cold treat is perfect on a hot summer day. Cut the Grass Jelly into cubes and serve over crushed ice for a simple chilled dessert. Another tasty option is to cut the jelly into small pieces and add to your favorite icy beverage. Give this no-fail recipe a try and share your comments with me.

Ingredients

1.8 oz grass jelly powder
1/3 cup sugar
4 cups water, divided

Method

* Transfer the grass jelly powder into a medium saucepan. Add the sugar and 2 cups water. Stir together dissolving the powder. Add the remaining 2 cups water and mix well.

* Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.

* Over Medium heat, start warming the mixture. Using a spatula, stir the mixture, scraping the bottom of the pan where the powder settles.

* In 3-4 minutes the mixture thickens and becomes lumpy. Using a whisk, quickly stir until the mixture is smooth. Continue stirring, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Turn off the heat and continue stirring for 1 minute making sure the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

* Transfer the Grass Jelly mixture to a heat-safe dish or bowl. Pop any bubbles with a toothpick or skim with a spoon.

* Allow to cool at room temperature for 1 – 1 1/2 hours.

* Transfer into the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours.

* To remove the jelly, invert the dish onto a large cutting board. Cut the grass jelly into cubes.

* To serve, add some crushed ice into a dessert bowl. Add the Grass Jelly cubes. Sprinkle the jelly with a bit of sugar.

* Optionally, use a small wavy knife to cut the jelly into smaller pieces and add to your favorite icy beverage.

* Store any remaining Grass Jelly in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.