Mosaic gelatin is a gelatin dessert that is popular in Mexico and Brazil.[1][2] However, it is unclear if it is of Mexican or Brazilian origin.[2] It is sometimes called broken or stained glass gelatin due to its appearance.[3] This dessert is sold at fairs, markets, plazas, and food carts.[1] It can even be found in upscale restaurants.[4] It is popular amongst individuals of all ages,[1] but particularly children because of its colorful, attractive appearance.[2] It can be served at special occasions, and is often found at birthday parties for children.[1][3][5][6] It is a relatively simple and inexpensive dessert to prepare.[4][5]
 | |
| Alternative names | Broken glass gelatin, stained glass gelatin |
|---|---|
| Type | Dessert |
| Place of origin | Mexico, Brazil |
| Main ingredients | Gelatin (flavored and unflavored), Milk (condensed and evaporated) |
It is related to or derived from an American recipe, crown jewel dessert, submitted by R.J. Gatti to General Foods, the maker of Jello in 1955.[7] This recipe, as published in 1962, used a binder of whipped cream mixed with a partially-set lemon gelatine prepared with pineapple juice.[8]
Traditionally, there are two types of gelatin.[2] One is a milk based and the other is water or fruit juice based.[2] The most characteristic representation of mosaic gelatin is pieces of colored, flavored gelatin scattered in a background of white, milk gelatin.[2]
It is prepared by combining multiple cubes of flavored gelatin with a blended mixture of unflavored gelatin and milk (evaporated and condensed).[1] Prior to adding the milk, the unflavored gelatin is allowed to cool.[1] Otherwise, it will curdle the milk.[1] The gelatin is cooled for several hours to create a firm texture.[1]
Nevertheless, there is wide variation in how the dish is prepared.[2] The gelatin can have either a water or a milk base.[1] The gelatin itself can be of a single flavor or multiple flavors.[1] The gelatin can have elaborate designs such as flowers, hearts, or butterflies.[1] Sometimes, fresh fruit is added.[4] A bundt pan can be used to mold the gelatin.[4][9]
In Mexico, lime (green) and strawberry (red) are the most common flavors.[4] In combination with the white milk gelatin, it represents the colors of the Mexican flag.[4] Other popular flavors are grape (purple), lemon (green), blueberries (blue), orange (orange), and pineapple (yellow).[3][6]
Powdered fruit-flavored gelatin was introduced to Brazil at the beginning of the 20th century, and since then it has become quite popular.[10]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Martínez, M. (2020). The Mexican Home Kitchen: Traditional Home-Style Recipes That Capture the Flavors and Memories of Mexico. Rock Point. pp. 160–161. ISBN 978-0-7603-6772-8. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Cómo hacer esta receta y otros postres". Gelatina de Mosaico (in Spanish). 2020-12-08. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
- ^ a b c Martin, Chef Adriana (2019-04-12). "Strawberry Mosaic Mexican Jello Dessert". Adriana's Best Recipes. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
- ^ a b c d e f Barker, Charbel (2019-01-24). "Delicious Mexican Mosaic Gelatin Recipe (Gelatina de Mosaico)". My Latina Table. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
- ^ a b Neill, Alexandra (2020-04-22). "Mosaic Jello - made from fruity rainbows". Mex Mundo. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
- ^ a b "Mexican Jello (Gelatina de Mosaico)". Maricruz Avalos Blog. 2020-12-17. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
- ^ Jell-O dessert's a jewel, Tommy C. Simmons, AP through The Herald Tribune, May 7, 2003
- ^ Rubenstein Library Test Kitchen: The Joys of Jell-O (1962), Duke University Lubraries, Kate Collins, January 31, 2020, includes image of original recipe from 'Joys of JELL-O Gelatin Dessert', General Foods, 1962
- ^ "Gelatina Mosaico. Mosaic Gelatin Mold". La Piña en la Cocina. 2020-01-09. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
- ^ Azadinho, F.B. (2018). Sabor Brasil: Ricette e racconti della tradizione culinaria brasiliana (in Italian). Hoepli. p. 462. ISBN 978-88-203-8679-5. Retrieved 2021-02-26.