Gelatine is made from the bones of animals and is used as a setting agent for sweet or savoury jellies, mousses, cheesecakes and desserts.
These little sheets of superior quality gelatine look almost like thin rectangles of glass and give a smoother, melt in the mouth quality. Sheets very in size and setting capacity so always check the instructions. Soak sheets of leaf gelatine in cold water for a couple of minutes until softened, squeeze to remove excess water, then place in a small pan over a very low heat and dissolve gently or stir into hot liquids to dissolve it.
Do not boil gelatine or it will loose it’s setting point.
Add the gelatine to your recipe slowly, pouring it in a thin stream and stirring well. It is best to add gelatine to mixtures that are at room temperature or warm, if adding it to very cold mixtures it may set very quickly into little ribbons. If this happens, warm the mixture slightly until the gelatine dissolves, or strain the mixture to remove the gelatine, although setting may be impaired. If adding gelatine to hot mixtures it will dissolve very easily.
Do not use kiwi, pineapple or pineapple juice in gelatine recipes as the acid impairs the setting properties
Melt the gelatine in a small bowl. Always sprinkle powdered gelatine onto cold water, never the other way round. Leave it to soak for a couple of minutes until it has swollen up to absorb the liquid. Heat a small saucepan with a small amount of hot water and place the bowl of gelatine inside. Heat until the gelatine has dissolved and the liquid runs clear with no visible grains. Do not boil gelatine
Try searching our forum or post your own question for our community of friendly, like-minded bakers to help you with. Maybe you'll be able to help someone else at the same time!
Click here to go to the forum.
Email the kitchen with your question or alternatively call us on 0844 880 5944 (10am-4pm Mon-Fri)
Everyone will love this rhubarb crumble recipe. If you fancy putting a twist on the classic why not add orange rind and juice or chopped stem ginger to the rhubarb or add a handful of choppe...
Picnics and Day Trips
Spring is finally here so pack up that picnic basket and head out into the great outdoors!
Discounts, competitions, exclusive offers, personalised recipes and lots more.
Join upClick here to get your hands on some tickets to this fantastic event of the year!
Win Sainsbury's Jubilee Family Festival tickets
