Gemstones Jelly Cake

Who doesn't like a wobbly cake, as pretty as it is delicious, with multicoloured jelly cubes wedged in a mortar of sweet condensed milk like gemstones?  You can taste the different jelly flavours in each refreshing bite.  This vintage dessert (also called stained glass jelly) goes down well with children and adults alike, brilliant for parties and festive occasions like Christmas which is not far off.  It's best to make it a day in advance as the jelly requires setting time.  Slice them into blocks and serve on their own, with cream, ice cream or custard, as you like it.

Serves 12

INGREDIENTS

• 4 x 85g / 3oz box of jelly crystals, assorted colours & flavours
• 4 cups boiling water
• 3 teaspoon gelatine powder
• 2 cups hot water
• 1 tinned sweeten condensed milk (396g / 14oz)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

EQUIPMENT

• 4 x containers (900ml / 30.5 fl oz capacity)
• 1 x container (2-litre / 67.6 fl oz capacity)
• 1 small mixing bowl & whisk
• 1 medium mixing bowl

*I use rectangular plastic food containers that come with fitted lids.  Once the jelly has been set, they pop out quite easily when inverted.  Apply a gentle tap to the bottom of the container to encourage.

METHOD

1. In a small bowl, dissolve each box of jelly crystals in 1 cup boiling water, then carefully pour into separate containers.  Cover containers and chill in the fridge for several hours until fully set.
2. Once set, cut each container of jelly into small squares with a thin knife.  Invert and tip cubes randomly into the large container.  Give the container a jiggle to mix the colours up and spread them out evenly.
3. In a medium bowl, dissolve gelatine powder in 2 cups of hot water by whisking the mixture vigourously.  Add the condensed milk and vanilla.  Stir until combined
4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then pour the mixture over the jelly cubes.
5. Cover and chill in the fridge for several hours until fully set.
6. Invert and tip the jelly cake out of the container onto a serving plate.  Slice with a thin knife into large squares and serve.