When I think of food for celebrating New Year’s Eve, I always think of clean, bright flavors with some decadence thrown in for good measure! Regardless of whether I’m going out to celebrate, or staying in (something I’ve taken more to over the past years not liking the idea of being on the road with others perhaps over-imbibing), the food and drink has to be festive. Though we’ve had more labor intensive dishes such as last year’s Lobster Risotto with Saffron and Haricot Vert, there are certainly recipes one can make that feel like a celebration but don’t take hours or days to prepare. After all many of us have just wrapped up huge meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas; we are ready to feel lavished but not spend hours in the preparation.
I love making jam with fruit in season. I’ve toyed with making jelly however my attempts have not yielded a result I’d hoped for. In thinking up an unexpected appetizer for New Year’s Eve however it struck me that I don’t need to wrestle with fresh fruit, hoping the pectin gods are in the humor to indulge my desire for a little homemade pot of jelly.
Jelly can be made from fruit juice and I can’t think of any better fruit ‘juice’ around this time of year than Champagne; Pink Champagne to be precise. My original intent was to incorporate some Pink Champagne Jelly into an appetizer (which I will tomorrow) however once it set up I realized I needed to take pause to revel in the divine simplicity that is this jelly.
First of all the color is sublime. A perfect moody pink that brightens the spirit and promises celebration. When opening the lid of the jelly jar you will be filled with the divine aroma of champagne. The flavor is light and flirtatious and the texture of the translucent pink gel, transfixing. I’m in love; can you tell?
If that isn’t enough the making of this jelly is about 10 minutes. Four ingredients and though it does need to refrigerate overnight, can you think of anything else you’d make that would lift more spirits from the sheer surprise and in 10 minutes? Me either.
You won’t have difficulty dreaming up numerous ways to use this delicately charming jelly. On top of things, inside things. Mixed into sauces. I love it with a bit of cream cheese on a cracker (I used Nut Thins which are gluten-free) topped with the jelly. Do note this jelly is not made with pectin and lots of sugar which help to keep its form and allow it to be canned traditionally. In using gelatin for the jelling effect it remains light, subtly sweet and must be kept refrigerated. It can be put out for serving but will relax if left out for a few hours or in high temperatures.
Recipe
Pink Champagne Jelly
Ingredients
- 1-750 ml bottle Pink Champagne or Pink Sparkling Wine
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 packets Gelatin (or 2 tablespoons if using gelatin in bulk)
- ¼ cup Warm Water
- Clean containers with lids to hold 4 cups jelly
Instructions
- Combine the champagne/sparkling wine and sugar in a medium heavy saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Stir or whisk constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and gelatin. Whisk to allow gelatin to dissolve.
- Scrape the gelatin mixture into the saucepan with the champagne and sugar. Whisk to fully combine ensuring the all gelatin is dissolved fully and the mixture is clear pink. Remove from heat.
- Pour the jelly mixture into the prepared containers. Place the containers on a baking sheet or other solid surface to ensure they stay upright in the refrigerator overnight. Loosely cover with plastic wrap but do not fully seal so any heat can escape.
- Chill overnight in the refrigerator. Once set seal with lids and store chilled for use.
Nutrition
Aileen says
Can this be made with non alcoholic champagne?
Toni Dash says
I have only made it as described in the recipe but I don’t see why not! Will you let me know how it turns out if you make it?
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
Just shared this on my blog today. I did a huge round up of freezer jams!
Vicky says
Can I water bath this for 5 minutes to seal? Will it retain it’s gel factor?
Toni Dash says
I’ve only made it the way described in the recipe Vicky. Please let me know if you experiment how it turns out!
Soumya@Oishi Recipes says
Awesome clicks……
Toni Dash says
Thanks! Glad you like them.
Beth says
Can it be frozen?
Toni Dash says
Beth I have only made and used it fresh.
Dina says
it has such a pretty color. i’d love to try it!
Debra says
Truly beautiful stuff!