Osmanthus Flower Jelly (桂花糕)

Step 1

In a small bowl, soak goji berries in warm water for 2 - 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium pot, bring half of the water (300ml) to a boil. Add the dried osmanthus flowers to the hot water and allow to steep for 5 minutes (like you're steeping tea). Transfer the liquid to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the remaining water (300ml) and bring to a boil over medium heat. Using a ladle or big spoon, transfer a big spoonful of the water into a bowl. Add gelatin powder to the bowl of hot water and stir until gelatin has melted. (Note: don't skip this step and add gelatin powder directly in the big pot of water; this will cause the gelatin to get clumpy and it will not fully dissolve.) Return the gelatin mixture to the pot. Add granulated sugar and stir with a wooden spoon until all the sugar and gelatin has dissolved. Turn off the heat.

Step 4

Strain the osmanthus flower water into the pot. Add 1/4 of the strained flowers (not all) into the pot. Add goji berries.

Step 5

Allow your jelly mixture to cool slightly before transferring to the jelly mold. You can speed this process up by using an ice bath for the pot.

Step 6

Carefully pour the jelly mixture into your mold of choice. Transfer the molds to the fridge and allow the jelly to set fully, about 4 - 5 hours but preferably overnight.

Step 7

Once the jelly has fully set, dip the mold into hot water for 30 seconds to loosen the jelly from the mold. Flip the mold onto a large plate to release the jelly. Serve chilled.