Sunday, February 27, 2011

re-use

I think that sometimes I buy desserts just for their containers.

Of course what's inside is delicious and pretty, but if the containers can be re-used, I'm all excited to try and fill them up.

The first two photos are of desserts we got from MIOR, a shop in our shopping arcade, pretty yeah??

The containers are glass and hold about 3/4 cup of liquid.

Perfect when you want just a little something sweet.

I recently used up a NOH Foods haupia packet that I had for sometime now along with some Jell-O chocolate pudding.

I also crushed some shortbread in-between the layers & on top.

I also tried a kanten recipe which I saw in a free newspaper that I picked up at the market.

Here's the recipe so you can try making your own dessert if you'd like:
Strawberry Milk Kanten adapted from free newspaper at market

4 containers that hold 3/4 cup
1 packet agar-agar powder (4 grams)
200 cc water
150 cc skim milk
1 tablespoon condensed milk
7 strawberries, tops off & rinsed

Slice some strawberries & chop up the rest, set aside
Add condensed milk to skim milk, stir and set aside.
In a pot, add the water and agar-agar powder, bring to a boil stirring with a wooden spoon
When it comes to a boil, cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
Turn off heat and add milk mixture, stir.
Add sliced strawberries to containers
Spoon in warm milk kanten mixture and top with chopped strawberries
Try to divide milk mixture as evenly as possible.
Put into refridge to set.
Enjoy.

NOTES: I had envisioned having the strawberry slices line the sides of the glass but when I poured my milk mixture in, they all floated up. I think if you want to hold the strawberries to the side of the glass, the pieces have to be thicker.

Also, kanten's texture is firmer than gelatin, so don't freak out when you eat this, it is kind of dense, not wiggly-jiggly.

The original recipe sets the mixture in a pan, if you want to make this in a pan, the measurements are 15 cm x 12 cm (about 5 inch x 4 inch)

The original recipe also uses 200 cc (1 cup) cream but I lightened it up using skim milk, though I only had 150 cc (3/4 cup).

The original recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of condensed milk, I think I should have used the 3 because the version I made wasn't sweet at all. It wasn't bad, but I would've liked something a little sweeter.

I have more packets of kanten, so I'm definitely making this again.

UPDATE: perfect sweetness with the 3 tablespoons of condensed milk

13 comments:

  1. What an awesome job you did refilling the containers. Haupia and chocolate!! Strawberries and cream!!

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  2. I know that *I* wouldn't pass on those cute containers either. Perfect size!

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  3. Thanks Jalna :)

    I love when they are glass or ceramic Rowena, and usually pass when they are plastic :)

    Take care you two.
    Kat

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  4. Yeah, you can get some great containers in Japan. We love the little glass pudding containers we get from a local cake shop. The puddings are fantastic then we get to re-use the containers at home with home made desserts.

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  5. that is cool J-A :)

    Take care.
    Kat

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  6. Those look delicious. Nice containers. I'll have to try the Strawberry Milk Kanten - with my homemade soy milk and home grown berries.

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  7. I hope you like it PB :)

    Take care.
    Kat

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  8. I think your desserts look just as pretty and delicious too. I want to try the strawberry kanten ones. ;-)

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  9. bring over some chocolate and we can share desserts Deb in Hawaii ;)

    Take care.
    Kat

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  10. That looks delicious Kat! And even more points for reusing those containers!

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  11. Thanks Kirk, I try to re-use things as much as possible :)

    Take care.
    Kat

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  12. I miss glass containers like those. I recently unpacked about a dozen glass yogurt containers from France that I could never bear to throw away or even recycle. I'll have to put my thinking cap on and be as creative as you are!

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  13. Unfortunately, a lot of places have turned to plastic because of cost Manju, will be waiting to see what you come up with to use your containers.

    Take care.
    Kat

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