Tip# 9 Try Natural "Gelatin"

WOULD YOU BELIEVE: Jello® is not vegetarian.
SOME FACTS: It surprises many people to learn that most gelatin is made from animals' collagen, which is a protein derived from boiling down the joints and tendons of animals such as cows. While this is a non-fat, non-cholesterol product, it is made of animal protein. Another problem with commercial gelatins is that they are usually artificially colored and contain a great deal of sugar. A far better alternative is agar (also called agar-agar).
This is a form of seaweed which provides a gelling effect. I use natural fruit and fruit juices for the sweetening. Agar gelatin is just as easy to prepare as commercial gelatins, and it has a better flavor because natural foods are used.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Try the recipe below to sample a very tasty and additive-free gelatin dessert.

Apple-Strawberry Jel
8 Tbsp. Agar flakes 6C Apple juice 1 pint Strawberries ½C Apples, cut into very small chunks
Mix agar, juice, and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil then simmer 4 to 5 minutes until dissolved.

Wash, clean, and slice strawberries. Clean and cut apples. Use a fancy gelatin mold in a fruit shape if you have one. Otherwise, line the bottom of a 9" shallow rectangular baking pan with two-thirds of the strawberries, setting the remainder aside. Add a small layer of apples.

Gently pour the hot agar mixture over the fruits in the first pan to a depth of about 1". Pour any remaining agar mixture over fruits in the second pan. Chill until firmly set. To serve, slice into appropriate serving sizes. Blend the mixture that has set in the second dish until smooth. Serve as a sauce over the molded gelatin slices or squares. Makes 4 portions. (1 portion = 218.4 calories, 0.3 grams fat, 1% protein, 97% carbohydrates, 1% fat)