Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad

Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad Recipe - Delicious Recipe with Cranberries, Apples, Pineapple, and Nuts

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that captures the essence of fall with its rich colors and flavors. This delightful salad combines the tartness of cranberries and apples with the sweetness of pineapple and sugar, all set in a shimmering gelatin mold. The addition of celery and nuts introduces a satisfying crunch, making this dish a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a special treat, this gelatin salad is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and unique flavor profile.

History

The tradition of gelatin salads dates back to the early 20th century, gaining popularity in the United States as a versatile and creative way to serve fruits and vegetables. The Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad is a modern take on these classic dishes, incorporating ingredients that celebrate the harvest season. Its creation was inspired by the desire to bring together seasonal fruits and a festive presentation, making it a beloved recipe for autumn celebrations.

Ingredients

1 cup cranberries
2 apples
0.5 cup sugar
6 oz (170 g) red gelatin
15 oz (425 g) crushed pineapple
1 cup celery, diced
0.5 cup nuts, chopped
2 cups boiling water

How to prepare

Chop the cranberries, apples, and celery into small pieces.
Drain the pineapple and save the juice.
Combine the cranberries, apples, and sugar; cover and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the salad.
Combine the gelatin with boiling water and stir until dissolved.
Add enough water or fruit juice (apricot nectar, strawberry nectar, etc.) to the pineapple juice to equal 1 cup.
Add this to the gelatin mixture.
Chill in the refrigerator until slightly thickened.
Combine the cranberry-apple mixture with celery, drained pineapple, and nuts.
Stir into the gelatin mixture.
Pour into a lightly greased mold or into individual serving molds.
Chill until firm.
Unmold and serve on a bed of lettuce or garnish with sour cream or slightly sweetened whipped cream and a very light sprinkling of cinnamon.

Variations

Consider adding other seasonal fruits such as pears or oranges to the salad for additional flavors. For a twist, replace the red gelatin with a different flavor, such as orange or cherry, to complement the fruits used.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results for your Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad, consider the following tips:

- Use fresh cranberries and apples for the brightest flavor.

- Chop the fruits and celery uniformly for a consistent texture throughout the salad.

- Dissolve the gelatin completely in boiling water to avoid lumps.

- Allow the gelatin mixture to cool and thicken slightly before adding the fruits, celery, and nuts to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

- Lightly grease the mold with a neutral oil to make unmolding the gelatin easier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad on a bed of lettuce for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or slightly sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor and elegance.

Cooking Techniques

For a smoother texture, consider blending part of the fruit mixture before adding it to the gelatin. This technique can create a more cohesive flavor profile and an interesting variation in texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to reduce the sugar content, substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. For a vegetarian version, use agar-agar instead of gelatin.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made a day ahead of your event and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and the gelatin to set firmly, making it easier to unmold and serve.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant touch, serve individual portions in clear glass cups or mini molds. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a festive and sophisticated presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, such as turkey or pork, making it an excellent side dish for holiday meals. It also complements rich, creamy desserts with its refreshing taste.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This dish is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture of the gelatin.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad contains approximately 150 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a dessert or side dish. The calories mainly come from the carbohydrates and sugars in the fruits and added sugar.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the natural sugars in the fruits and the added sugar. This dish is a source of quick energy, making it a great option for a festive dessert or side dish.

Fats

This recipe is low in fats, with only about 5 grams per serving, primarily from the nuts. Using nuts such as walnuts or almonds can provide healthy unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

Proteins

Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad offers a modest amount of protein, around 2 grams per serving, mainly from the gelatin and nuts. While not a significant source of protein, it can complement protein-rich main dishes.

Vitamins and minerals

The fruits in this salad provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the cranberries and apples, as well as potassium. The nuts add a small amount of magnesium and vitamin E, contributing to the overall nutritional value of the dish.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts, which are a common allergen. If serving to guests with food allergies, consider substituting the nuts with seeds, such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or omitting them altogether.

Summary

Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad is a low-fat, low-protein dish with a moderate amount of carbohydrates. It is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of vitamins and minerals from the fruits and nuts. However, it does contain allergens such as nuts, so substitutions may be necessary for those with allergies.

Summary

Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad is a delightful and visually stunning dish that brings the flavors of fall to your table. With its combination of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and crunchy nuts set in a shimmering gelatin, it's a perfect addition to any autumn feast. This recipe not only offers a beautiful presentation but also provides a good balance of nutrition, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner or looking for a unique side dish, this gelatin salad is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a talented cook and always had a knack for creating delicious dishes that were both beautiful and tasty.

One day, as I sat at her kitchen table watching her prepare a meal for our family, she pulled out a worn recipe card from her recipe box. It was titled "Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad" and I was immediately intrigued. I had never heard of such a dish before, but the name alone piqued my curiosity.

As my grandmother began to gather the ingredients and explain the steps to me, I could see the passion and love she had for cooking shining through. She told me that she had learned this recipe from a dear friend many years ago and it had become a family favorite ever since.

The first step was to prepare the gelatin mixture, which involved boiling water and dissolving the gelatin powder. As the mixture cooled, my grandmother added a splash of lemon juice and a touch of sugar to enhance the flavors. Next, she carefully poured the liquid into a mold and placed it in the refrigerator to set.

While we waited for the gelatin to chill, my grandmother began preparing the "jewels" for the salad. She sliced fresh strawberries, peeled and diced ripe peaches, and peeled and segmented an orange. The colors of the fruit were vibrant and beautiful, and I couldn't wait to see how they would look suspended in the gelatin.

Once the gelatin had set, my grandmother gently arranged the fruit on top, creating a stunning display of colors and textures. She explained that the contrast of the smooth gelatin and the juicy fruit was what made this salad so special.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, the Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad took center stage on the table. The colors of the fruit sparkled in the sunlight, and the flavors were a perfect balance of sweet and tart. It was a hit with the whole family, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished tradition in our home.

Over the years, I have made this salad countless times, each time recalling the memory of that first day in my grandmother's kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this delicious dish to the next generation.

Through this recipe, I have learned not only how to create a beautiful and tasty dish, but also the importance of tradition and family in the kitchen. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones, and I am grateful for the memories and lessons that have been passed down through the generations.

As I continue to cook and create in my own kitchen, I always think back to that day when I first discovered the recipe for Autumn Jewels Gelatin Salad. It reminds me of the joy and love that goes into every meal, and the power of sharing that with others. Cooking is more than just preparing food – it is a way to connect, to create memories, and to pass on traditions that will last a lifetime.