Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Osmanthus Jelly with Goji Berries (杞子桂花糕)


Osmanthus Jelly with Goji Berries

Osmanthus is a type of edible flowers.  It's usually in cream, yellow or orange color; the fragrant is long lasting with a floral sweet tone.  Osmanthus is originally from Asia and available in certain part of the U.S. as well.  According to the Chinese Wikipedia, Osmanthus is not only great for dessert but also has medicinal use, such as suppress coughing and phlegm, sooth dryness, and diminish toothache.  Honestly, I don't really need any particular reason to enjoy desserts, these benefits are just bonuses to me.  

Osmanthus Jelly with Goji Berries

After consuming all the heavy dishes from the Chinese New Year, I can use something light and soothing for dessert.  These Osmanthus Jelly with Goji Berries (杞子桂花糕) are simply perfect for the sweet ending.  I truly enjoy the floral and sweet flavors from the osmanthus.  I added goji berries to these little jelly for a nice tartness to balance out the sweetness. 


Osmanthus Jelly with Goji Berries

Here’s a closer look on the osmanthus.  Aren't they gorgeous?  They smell even better!  The refreshing, sweet and floral aroma is simply delightful.  I couldn't help it but took deep breathes and tried to inhale it all in.  I wish you can smell it through the computer screen too so that I don't sound like a drug addict! so that you know exactly what I'm talking about!  I got my osmanthus from an Asian supermarket.  You can also get them online here as well.

Osmanthus Jelly with Goji Berries


For this recipe, it couldn't be any easier.  Simply boil the ingredients together and let the mixture chill.  Of course, you can place the mixture in a container to chill and cut them into squares/cubes when they’re solidified.  I can’t help it but to put them in my favorite silicone molds and turn them into bite size morsels.  When they were done, I kept popping them one after another.  Not only they are gorgeous and delectable, but they are also good for you.


Osmanthus Jelly with Goji Berries

I made some in a heart shaped mold (see picture below) as well.  This dessert is not only good for CNY, but also beautiful for Valentine’s Day!  If you’re interested to check out the silicone molds that I used, simply click on the links below.

Heart Shaped Silicone Mold
Rose Shaped Silicone Mold
Flower Shaped Silicone Mold
 
Osmanthus Jelly with Goji Berries


I hope you enjoy today's post and recipe.  Stay tuned for more fun recipe and giveaways in the near future.  新年吃杞子桂花糕, 祝大家花開富貴!


Health and General Disclaimer:
No information, ingredient or product mentioned on this site is meant to diagnose, treat or replace professional medical advice.  They are my experience, my journey, and my opinions.  Please consult with your doctor before using any of the ingredients or products mentioned here. 



Osmanthus Jelly with Goji Berries (杞子桂花糕)
(Printable Recipe)

1 1/2 teaspoons agar agar
2 cups water
3 tablespoons raw sugar
1 tablespoon dry osmanthus
1 tablespoon goji berries

In a medium pot, add all ingredients over medium high heat. Bring liquid to a simmer and reduce to low heat. Simmer ingredients for 5 minutes, stir occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Evenly divided into cups or molds.

Let Jelly cool to room temperature before placing into the fridge. Chill for at least two hours before serving. Enjoy!

29 comments:

  1. these are adorable and look fun to eat

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  2. Kung Hei Fat Choi! These are just beautiful and I have everything right now to make this lovely dessert in my pantry. Lucky me. Wishing you a very safe and happy holiday. Take Care, BAM

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    1. King Hay Fat Choi to you too. Hehe....these are so refreshing and it's so wonderful to have them in the fridge for "in case of emergency" situation. LOL

      Heard it's really cold in HKG these few days! Take care and stay warm my friend.

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  3. We didn' t know about osmanthus, but we like your recipe.
    We'll try it...
    Nice pictures....
    Have a nice week Amy.

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    1. Oh...I truly love the sweet aroma of the osmanthus. Let me know how you like it if you try. ;) Take care and have a beautiful rest of the week.

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  4. Gong Xi Fa Cai! Just the dessert to round up CNY celebration - pretty to look at and delicious to eat. Thank you!

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    1. Gong Xi Fa Cai to you too, Mun. :) Glad you like this refreshing and light dessert too.

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  5. Hi Amy , the recipe sounds so delicious thanks for sharing :)

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  6. they are pretty! and hmm, interesting herb, i was sick all last month with the most horrendous pneumonia... I could have used this herb!!! but thank goodness now all better :)

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    1. Sorry that you weren't feeling well. Great to hear you'll all better now. Please take care and wish you a healthy rest of the year!

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  7. They look cute and I am pretty sure they taste delicious!!!

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    1. Thank you, Shibi. Glad that you love this dessert too.

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  8. Delicious jelly, it looks like a perfect dessert for summer :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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  9. Hi Amy, your jelly look so cute and refreshing. Love this and Osmanthus fragrant scent is so soothing. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

    Have a nice day, regards.

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  10. you can make ANYTHING looks spectacular, Amy !! xxx

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  11. I've never heard of Osmanthus but I love floral flavored things...and especially jellies! These came out gorgeous. I would totally inhale the whole plateful :)

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  12. Wow!! So pretty! I never heard of Osmanthus before...

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  13. Happy Chinese New Year to you! I tried them before in Taiwan and they were pretty good! I just love the smell and the flavor of it…now I want to try the goji berries in it!

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  14. hello, how many servings does this recipe yield?

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    1. I used 3 mini silicone molds for this recipe. If you put them in regular small jelly cups, you should get about 4 cups. :)

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  15. hi Amy, this looks yums! do mind sharing the "agar agar" you used? i've never made dessert not jelly, so am not sure which is appropriate.

    thanks!

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    1. Thank you. This is the agar agar powder that I used. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J4NW0R0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00J4NW0R0&linkCode=as2&tag=a0464-20&linkId=BGSR3UZWDNITUU4R) I usually get them in Asian supermarket. But you can also get it online.

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    2. thx again Amy! have a merry Christmas!

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