Strawberry Apple Lunchbox Jelly Shots. Our 2 kids loved having these jelly shots in their lunchbox this week. They are so simple to make, and will last in the fridge for a week. These would also make a great party food. I have used shot glasses but you could use any shape mould you already have around the house.
Please note, lunchbox foods needs to nourish our children’s bodies and brains. These jellies are made from real food, but they are not going to really keep your child’s tummy full for very long. They are the kind of food I would put in when the kids are complaining it’s not fair because other kids have ‘this packet or that packet’. They are a fun food to pad out the lunchbox.
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 medium apple
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tpsns rice malt syrup
- 2 tblspns unflavoured gelatin
- 1 small apple, diced
Method
- Puree the strawberries, medium apple (with skin on), water and rice malt syrup – this makes about 2 cups
- Pour 1 cup of the puree into a small saucepan, and gently warm over low heat
- Add gelatin to top of the other cup of puree and let it ‘cloud up’ (it will look a little puffy)
- Pour the gelatin puree into the warmed puree and stir for consistently over low heat for about 3-5 minutes until all the gelatin is dissolved
- Pour into little shot glasses or silicone moulds – choose your own shape and size
- Drop a few pieces of the diced apple onto the top of the shot glasses or jelly shapes, and push them down a little to sink them
- Place in freezer if you want them in less than an hour, otherwise you can just pop them in the fridge to set
Note: If using the shot cups, before packing into the lunchbox, run a thin bladed knife around the inside of the jelly to loosen it from the side of the cup. This way it will fall out easily or better still, you can just pack it straight into the lunchbox without the cup and reuse the cup again at home.
2 Other Ways
- Pour jelly into a square dish and let set, then cut into cubes and serve with delicious homemade ice cream for a yummy dessert
- Change the flavours up – you need to 2 cups of liquid, 1 cup juice, 1 cup water
Story behind this recipe
Picture this. Our big green bus, Kaley, is parked on a vacant block in Roxby Downs in South Australia, across the road from one of Australia’s leading home sustainability experts, Laura Trotta. Our kids are happily playing with Laura’s kids when I spot some other kids from the neighbourhood walking up the street. There’s much excitement. They are all dressed up. I realise it’s Halloween. I look out the bus window and think, oh poo, I have nothing to offer if anyone comes here. Think quick. What can I make that will be ready reasonably quickly. Jelly Shots! But not naughty alcohol ones or sugary aeroplane jelly ones, but ones made from fresh fruit and grass fed gelatin. Of course, I made them in vain because no-one trick or treated the bus, but the great news for our kids was there was plenty of jelly for snacks and the lunchboxes this week. So there you have it folks – Strawberry Apple Lunchbox Jelly Shots.
Just a reminder, you don’t need to be a master chef, or have a big spotless kitchen to make awesome nutritious meals or snacks for your family.