Jo Marsh, the beloved character of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, attempts to prepare a meal on the cooks’ day off. She does a terrible job; salting the fruit, wilting the vegetables and more. But her berry blancmange is such a nice dessert (and a staple of British nursery food) we’d like you to make a successful one. Interestingly this dish is loved by everyone, old and children alike. In addition to serving it on special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries you can make them any day to make the day something of a specialty. To get the best results, make sure to follow the recipe word by word and try not to substitute any ingredient for any other you might have readily available in your kitchen.
Jo’s Better Blancmange
- 4 cups whipping cream, in parts
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1-cup sugar
- 1-teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups raspberries
- 1 package gelatin A pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
Method:
1) Combine one cup of the cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, raspberries, and salt in a saucepan.
2) Bring to a boil.
3) Remove from heat and strain over a sieve or cheesecloth, discarding the seeds.
4) Then take ½ cup of the mixture in a bowl and sprinkle with gelatin.
5) Let sit for a few minutes.
6) Combine with cream mixture and return to the fridge, covered.
7) Then whip the remaining cream and powdered sugar in Cuisinart or with a mixer.
8) Combine with the other mixture.
9) Place in a gelatin mold or even stainless steel bowl.
10) Cover and place in fridge for several hours, six at least.
11) Unmold by placing very briefly in warm water in the sink or a baking pan.
12) Garnish with additional berries, flowers, mint leaves or holly sprigs. Its ready and now you can enjoy.
