Chrysanthemum Tea Jelly

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup dried chrysanthemum flowers
• 4 cups water
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 1/2 tablespoons unflavored powdered gelatin
• 1/4 cup cold water, for blooming gelatin
• 2 dried goji berries, for garnish (optional)

Method

1. 1

   Sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl and let it bloom for 5 to 10 minutes until softened.

   5:00 · Bloom gelatin
2. 2

   Bring the 4 cups of water to a boil in a 6-quart saucepan.

   8:00 · Boil water
3. 3

   Remove the pan from heat, add the dried chrysanthemum flowers, cover, and steep for 8 minutes.

   8:00 · Steep tea
4. 4

   Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl or pitcher, discarding the flowers.

5. 5

   While the tea is still hot, whisk in the sugar and honey until fully dissolved.

6. 6

   Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot tea and whisk until completely melted and smooth, about 1 minute.

   1:00 · Dissolve gelatin
7. 7

   Divide the mixture evenly among 6 small serving cups or jelly molds, dropping a goji berry into each if using.

8. 8

   Let the jellies cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until fully set, at least 4 hours.

9. 9

   Serve chilled, unmolded onto small plates or straight from the cups.