WORKING WITH GELATIN

Gelatin is used to make aspic, to stabilize foams, and to thicken liquid-based mixtures that will be served
cold. It is added to liquid in different concentrations to get different results. The concentration of gelatin,
or gel strength, in a given liquid is best described in terms of ounces per pint.

1 . Rain or sprinkle the gelatin over a cool liquid. If the liquid is warm or hot, powdered gelatin will not
soften properly. Scattering the gelatin over the surface of the liquid prevents it from forming clumps.

2 . Rehydrate and bloom

the gelatin before use.
To bloom, soak it the
amount of liquid
specified in the recipe,
which should be
approximately 8 fl
oz/240 mL of a water-
based liquid for every 1
oz/28
g gelatin. An alternative
method commonly used
for blooming sheet
gelatin is to soak it in enough cold water to completely submerge it. If this method
is used, after blooming, gently squeeze and wring the sheet to force the excess water out, so as not to add
additional liquid to the formula, which would
change the consistency and flavor of the finished product.

3 . After it is bloomed, melt the gelatin. To melt bloomed gelatin, place it in a pan or bowl over low heat
or over a hot water bath until it liquefies. As the softened gelatin warms, the mixture will become clear
and liquid enough to pour easily. Stir the melted gelatin into a warm or room-temperature base mixture.
If the base is cold, the gelatin may set up unevenly.
If the base is quite warm or hot (at least io5°F/41°C), however, you may opt to add the bloomed gelatin
directly to the base, rather than melting it separately, and allow the base’s heat to melt it. Be sure to stir
gelatin added this way until it is completely blended into the base.

Since the product will begin to set immediately after the gelatin is added and the mixture falls below iio
°F/43°C, always prepare all molds, service containers, and so on before beginning preparation.

Some gelatin-stabilized items are served in their molds; others are unmolded before service. To unmold,
dip the mold briefly into very hot water, quickly dry the outside, invert the mold onto a plate, and tap it
gently to release the item.