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To Use Powdered Gelatin
-Sprinkle the granules of gelatin over the surface cold water or liquid. Use 1/4 cup, 60ml, or whatever quantity is called for in the recipe, per envelope. Do not dump them in a pile, as the granules in the middle won't dissolve.
-Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes.
-Add warm liquid or heat gently, stirring until dissolved. To verify the granules are melted, lift the stirring utensil and make certain that there are no undissolved granules clinging to it.
To Use Sheet Gelatin
-Soak sheet(s) of gelatin in a bowl cold water for 5 to 10 minutes. (Figure about 1 cup, 250ml, cold water per sheet.)
-Once soft, lift sheets from the cold water.
-Wring gently to remove excess water, than add to warm liquid, the quantity called for in the recipe, stirring until dissolved. If adding to a cold mixture, melt the softened sheets in a saucepan or microwave over very low heat, stirring just until melted completely. Then stir in the cold mixture gradually.
Tips and Facts About Gelatin
- One envelope of powdered gelatin (about 1/4 ounce) is about 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 teaspoon.
- If the recipe calls for packets (ie; 2 packets), use packets of gelatin for measuring.
- If the recipe calls for a specific amount (ie: 2 teaspoons gelatin), open the packets and measure the gelatin granules with a measuring spoon.
- 1 envelope of gelatin will firmly set 2 cups of liquid, enough to unmold a dessert.
- 1 envelope of gelatin will softly set 3 cups of liquid. You will not be able to unmold this type of dessert.
- Both sheet and powdered gelatin should be dissolved in cold water. If hot water is used, granules of gelatin will swell on the outside too quickly, preventing the water from getting in to the center.
- Don't boil things made with gelatin. That can make the gelatin lose its efficacy.
- Desserts made with gelatin should chill for at least eight hours, but twenty four hours is best. After twenty four hours, gelatin will not set any further.
- Substituting sheet gelatin for powdered gelatin is perhaps the most controversial ratio known to the baking world. I've seen everything from 1 envelope equals 3, up to 5 sheets. Three-and-a-half sheets seems to work best for me. I use sheets that are 3-inches by 5-inches.*
- Some people prefer to use sheet gelatin, claiming it has no odor and the gel sets finer. Another advantage is there's also no chance of undissolved granules when using sheet gelatin.
- Gelatin is graded by "bloom', which is a measure of the stiffness and strength of the gelatin. (Developed by a Mr. Bloom.) Knox gelatin is 225 bloom, sheet gelatin (gold) is 200 bloom.
- If you want something made with gelatin to set faster, chill the mold or container first. Also you can stir the mixture constantly in a metal bowl placed in an ice bath until it begins to set, then pour it into the mold or container.
- Gelatin lasts forever according to the Gelatin Manufacturer's of America. If the packet gives an expiration date, it has to do with a "degradation of the packaging".
- Certain tropical fruits, such as pineapple, kiwifruit, and ginger, have an enzyme (bromelin) that can prevent gelatin for setting. Heating the fruit completely through before using will destroy the enzyme.
- Adding gelatin to food can make it non-Kosher, Halal, or inappropriate for those on vegetarian diets. Most gelatin is derived from beef or pork, which isn't always mentioned on the packet. (In France, it's noted when it's derived from pork.)
- Some folks add gelatin to sorbets to keep them softer when frozen. If so, for 1 quart (1l) of mixture, dissolve 1 teaspoon of gelatin in 2 tablespoons or so of the cold sorbet mixture and let soften for 5 minutes. Warm a small amount of the sorbet mixture and pour it into the gelatin, stirring until dissolved, then mix the gelatin back into the sorbet mixture before churning.
*Because there are many different producers of sheet gelatin, various brands will vary in strength and size. Use what's recommended by the company where you buy your gelatin sheets, or on the package, as the manufacturer best to advise on the correct usage of their particular gelatin. For those concerned about the detailed math of the conversion, there's an interesting discussion thread on eGullet.
For those of you who don't want to get out your calculator, if you're making a gelatin dessert that needs to be unmolded, err on the side of more gelatin. If making a gelée or spoonable custard, you can err on the side of less.
Related Links
Gelatin Manufacturer's Institute of America
Using agar agar, and other vegetarian substitutes
Three Levels of Sheet Gelatin (Albert Uster)
Knox Gelatin (Company Website)
Gelatin (Wikipedia)
Kosher Gelatin
Sheet Gelatin (Dr. Oetker)
Cook's Illustrated Gelatin 101 (Membership required)
Sheet Gelatin (King Arthur Baker's Catalog)
Gelatin Sheets (L'Epicerie)
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