Molded desserts can be made with agar instead of gelatin.
Agar, also called agar agar, is a carbohydrate-based gelling product derived from seaweed. It can be used in many of the same ways as gelatin, and since most commercial gelatin contains pork, agar is popular with vegetarians and those who don't eat pork for religious reasons. Agar is more powerful than gelatin, so less is needed to set a given quantity of liquid. Unless you buy your agar premeasured in individual envelopes, you will need a high-quality kitchen scale able to measure single grams accurately.
Instructions
1. Open the envelope of agar powder or flakes, and empty it into a saucepan. Alternatively, if your agar came in the form of a bar, grate it or chop it very finely. Weigh out 2 grams of grated agar, or bulk flake or powder agar, using a very accurate kitchen scale. Pour this into the saucepan.
2. Add a neutral or flavored cooking liquid, such as fruit juice to the saucepan. Allow the agar to soak in the cold liquid for five minutes, then turn the burner to medium-high heat.
3. Make a note of the time when the agar solution comes to a boil. It must boil for a full five minutes in order to set properly. Stir while its cooking to ensure that the agar has completely dissolved, especially if you have grated or chopped the agar from a bar.
4. Test the quality of the gel by spooning a small amount into a chilled bowl. It should set to the desired consistency within 20 or 30 seconds. If it is too stiff, add more of the cooking liquid. If it is too soft, add a few more crumbs of agar.
5. Pour the agar into a bowl or jelly mold to set once you are satisfied that you have the right consistency. Agar will set at room temperature, but it is perishable and should still be refrigerated. Serve warm or cold, as desired.
Tags: cooking liquid, five minutes, into saucepan, kitchen scale, your agar
