Hello Claire, that sounds like a wonderful childhood memory. Serving strawberry jelly with chilled evaporated milk is truly a comforting classic.
To ensure your batch dissolves completely, sets firmly, and stays fresh for several days in your meal prep containers, here is a dependable method you can follow:
1. Dissolve completely in boiling water: Whether you are using crystals or concentrated jelly cubes, gelatin requires thorough heat and agitation to dissolve properly. Measure out half of the total recommended liquid as freshly boiled water. Pour it over the mix and stir steadily for a full two to three minutes. Check the bottom of your mixing jug with the back of a spoon to verify that no undissolved granules or sticky residue remain at the bottom, which is the main cause of uneven setting or separation.
2. Adjust liquid for a firmer set: For meal prep containers meant to last through the week, you can slightly reduce the cold water portion. If the instructions call for half a pint of cold water after the boiling water, reduce it by about two tablespoons. This gives the gelatin extra structural stability over several days without making it rubbery.
3. Portion before cooling: Stir in your measured cold water until fully incorporated, then immediately pour the mixture into your individual pudding containers.
4. Manage condensation: Allow the containers to sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before sealing and transferring them to the refrigerator. Sealing them while piping hot can cause steam to condense on the lids and drip back onto the jelly, which can dilute the top layer.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours before serving. When kept sealed and refrigerated, they will maintain a clean, firm texture throughout your week.
