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]

Mosaic gelatin
Alternative namesBroken glass gelatin, stained glass gelatin
TypeDessert
Place of originMexico, Brazil
Main ingredientsGelatin (flavored and unflavored), Milk (condensed and evaporated)

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][7]

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.[8]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ a b c Martin, Chef Adriana (2019-04-12). "Strawberry Mosaic Mexican Jello Dessert". Adriana's Best Recipes. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ a b Neill, Alexandra (2020-04-22). "Mosaic Jello - made from fruity rainbows". Mex Mundo. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
  6. ^ a b "Mexican Jello (Gelatina de Mosaico)". Maricruz Avalos Blog. 2020-12-17. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
  7. ^ "Gelatina Mosaico. Mosaic Gelatin Mold". La Piña en la Cocina. 2020-01-09. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
  8. ^ 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.