Happy Independence Day Nigeria
When I just arrived in Houston, I went for a driving evaluation to determine if I needed driving lessons before I could get my license. The instructor said I was very good but the only problem was that I was too close to the car in front of me. This was obvious caused by my ‘Nigerian Factor’. The one were you want to make sure you are close enough to the car in front of you so that no ‘Danfo’ (commercial bus) driver ‘chances you’ (comes in front of you).
In the past few weeks, I have been driving around Houston and I have noticed some similarities between Nigerians and Houstonians.
Can you guess what it might be?
I would give you a clue……..’driving’
It is ROAD RAGE! I was shocked that Houstonians have as much road rage as Nigerians. They drive rough, don’t want you to get into their lane (even when you are indicating), beat traffic signals, etc. It is alarming.
Well, I have decided not to ‘Nigerianise’ my driving. I would continue to drive properly. Once in a while, if I need to show a driver or two the Nigerian in me, I would. Otherwise, I would be the best driver I can be, and hopefully leave Houston without a ticket.
Ok, let’s get to the menu for today. It is Lime Jelly and Coconut Panna Cotta. I wanted to make something that would be symbolic of the Nigerian Flag. This is a very simple dessert to make involving very few ingredients. The only thing required is a little patience and you are set for bliss.
The tart taste of the lime jelly is nicely complimented by the silky smooth taste of the coconut panna cotta. This is the perfect dessert to have after a heavy meal and you just want something light to balance it all out. The biggest plus about this dish is that if you are having a dinner party, it can be made a day in advance.
The ingredients…..
Lime, Sugar, Coconut milk and Gelatin
Oh and some patience
Mix the lime jelly as per the instructions on the pack. Add boiling water to dissolve the gelatin and then cold water. Pour about half of the jelly into glasses. The remaining half would be used after the panna cotta filling has been added and set. Refrigerate the glasses and leave the remaining jelly on a countertop so that it doesn’t set. I use mini 6oz glasses but you can use any glasses.Champagne glasses would be perfect for these.
Glasses with lime jelly
This is were patience comes in. Mine took about 30mins to set because the mix in each glass was very little. The more mix you use, the longer it would take to set up.
While the mix is setting, make the coconut panna cotta. When cool, pour the coconut panna cotta over your set lime jelly
With the coconut panna cotta added
When the panna cotta has set (about 30-45mins later), pour the remaining lime jelly into the glasses.
Perfection!
And that is it! How simple was that.
You can get lime jelly/jello at Spar, Park n Shop and Shoprite. I am sure Ebeano in Lekki might have it as well. I know Ebeano definitely has gelatin and the other stores would have it as well. My trusted Apongbon market has gelatin but I doubt they would have the lime jelly/jello. Baker’s World on Allen also has gelatin. The coconut milk can be found in most grocery stores. Have a lovely Independence Day.
Enjoy the light dessert. To convert this to a low fat recipe, use sugar free jello and fat free coconut milk.
Ingredients
- I Package Lime Jello/Jelly
- 1 Cup or 210 grams of boiling water
- 1 Cup or 210 grams of cold water
- 1 1/2 teaspoon or 4grams powdered gelatin
- 2 Tablespoon cold water
- 13.5 oz or 396 grams coconut milk
- 1/4 cup or 50 grams sugar
Instructions
- Prepare your lime jelly as instructed on the package with 1 cup boiling water to dissolve the mix, followed by 1 cup of cold water.
- Pour half of the mix into glasses and refrigerate.
- Leave the remaining half on a counter top.
- Pour the 2 tbsp of cold water in a small dish and sprinkle the powdered gelatin over top. Mix the gelatin into the water make sure there are no lumps. Set aside so the gelatin can "bloom" (soften & absorb the water)
- In a small pot pour the coconut milk and sugar together and heat over medium heat. Stir the mixture to ensure the sugar dissolves. Continue to heat the mixture until small bubbles start to form, but not boiling.
- Take 1/4 cup from the hot coconut milk and pour over the gelatin to dissolve. once dissolved, pour back in the pot. Remove the mixture from the heat and let cool.
- Pour cooled coconut panna cotta over the lime jelly in the glasses
- Once set, pour the remaining lime jelly over the set panna cotta.
- Enjoy!
I like this Mogee
Simply scrumptious……but still too much hard work for me
how is it we’re related again???
Don’t worry, I have got the easiest thing for you to make in my next post. No excuses this time
Definitely going to try this but in a pina colada variant. Pineapple jelly which I have at home and the coconut panna cotta.
I would love to know how it turns out