Tea Cup Jellies

What is a teacup jelly? In reality it is a posh version of Jell-O with fruit. But to be more specific it is how Jell-O came to be. Fresh fruit and juice were mixed with a gelatin poured into tea cups and served as a light refreshing treat on warm days during tea time.

I like making tea cup jellies simply because I can use fresh juice and cut down on excess sugars in store bought Jell-O. Although, called tea cup jellies I actually prefer to make mine in ramekins.

Full time: 3 1/2 hours (includes 3 hour set time)
Makes 8 jellies

You will need:

2 packets (2 tbsp) unflavored gelatins
1 pint fresh berries (raspberry, blueberry, or blackberry)
3 1/3 cup boiling water
2/3 cup fresh citrus juice (mandarin, orange, tangerine, grapefruit or my personal favorite blood orange)
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp green tea leaves (you can use jasmine or earl white also)

Let us begin:

Steep tea in boiling water for 10-15 minutes.

Remove tea by straining (or removing bags). Set aside.

In a medium pot combine gelatin, juice, and sugar. Let sit for 2 minutes.

Place pot over medium-high heat stirring while gelatins fully dissolves. Roughly 8 minutes.

Make sure gelatin is fully dissolved before moving on.

Turn off heat and gently stir in the tea.

Pour tea mixture into ramekins or tea cups 2/3 full.

Gently drop 2-3 berries into each serving.

Move to tray (just for ease of movement) and place in refrigerator for 3 hours to let set.

It can go overnight or up to 2 days before serving.

When serving top with remaining fresh berries and enjoy!