Berry Bliss Kissel
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Berry Bliss Kissel, a classic Slavic dessert that marries the tartness of fresh cranberries with the velvety texture of a gelatinous custard. This timeless dish is not only a comfort food but also a versatile treat that can be adapted to showcase your choice of berries. Enhance the flavor with an optional splash of grenadine or your favorite berry liqueur for an elegant twist. Perfectly decadent when served chilled and topped with a dollop of whipped cream, this dessert is a splendid finish to any meal, evoking nostalgia and a taste of tradition with every spoonful.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh cranberries
2 cups (hulled and washed)
water
5 cups (divided)
sugar
6 tablespoons (adjusted based on berry used)
potato starch
1/4 cup (to be diluted)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries (or strawberries/raspberries) with 4 cups of water. Heat on medium-high until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
2
Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the other berries have softened slightly.
3
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Using the back of a spoon, press the berries through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl to extract as much juice as possible, discarding any solids.
4
Return the strained liquid, along with the pressed berries, back to the saucepan. Stir in the sugar and bring the mixture back to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves, about 2-3 minutes.
5
In a separate small bowl, mix the potato starch with the remaining 1 cup of water, making sure there are no lumps. Gradually whisk this starch mixture into the simmering berry mixture.
6
Continue to stir vigorously until the mixture thickens and comes back to a gentle boil. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
7
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the kissel to cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
8
Once cooled, spoon the kissel into serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
9
Serve chilled, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream and perhaps a sprinkle of fresh berries for garnish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Berry Bliss Kissel?
Berry Bliss Kissel is a traditional Slavic dessert known for its velvety, gelatinous custard texture and tart berry flavor.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients are fresh cranberries (or other berries), water, sugar, and potato starch.
Can I use berries other than cranberries?
Yes, you can substitute cranberries with strawberries or raspberries depending on your preference.
How do I prevent lumps from forming in the kissel?
To prevent lumps, mix the potato starch with cold water in a separate bowl before gradually whisking it into the hot berry mixture.
How long should I simmer the berries?
You should simmer the berries for 10-15 minutes until they have burst or softened significantly.
Is this a no-bake dessert?
Yes, this is a no-bake recipe prepared entirely on the stovetop and then chilled.
What is the purpose of potato starch in this recipe?
Potato starch acts as a thickening agent to create the signature gelatinous texture of the kissel.
How much water is used in the entire process?
A total of 5 cups of water is used: 4 cups for boiling the berries and 1 cup for diluting the starch.
Can I add alcohol to this dessert?
Yes, you can add an optional splash of berry liqueur or grenadine for an elegant flavor twist.
How should the kissel be served?
It is best served chilled, often topped with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for garnish.
How do I remove the berry solids?
Press the boiled berries through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl using the back of a spoon to extract the juice, then discard the solids.
How long does the kissel need to refrigerate?
The dessert should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours or until it has fully set.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
Yes, the 6 tablespoons of sugar can be adjusted based on the natural sweetness of the berries you choose.
What prevents a skin from forming on the kissel as it cools?
Stirring the mixture occasionally while it is cooling will help prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
Is this recipe considered difficult to make?
No, this recipe is tagged as easy and follows a straightforward stovetop process.
What cuisine does Kissel originate from?
Kissel is a traditional dish from Slavic cuisine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: berries, water, sugar, and potato starch.
Should the berries be washed before cooking?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the berries should be hulled and washed before use.
What should I do after adding the starch mixture?
Continue to stir vigorously until the mixture thickens and comes back to a gentle boil for about 1-2 minutes.
What texture should I expect from Berry Bliss Kissel?
You should expect a smooth, gelatinous, and velvety custard-like consistency.
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
While the recipe calls for fresh berries, frozen berries can typically be used as a substitute in kissel recipes.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories?
No, the current recipe data does not provide specific nutritional values such as calories or fat content.
When do I add the sugar?
Sugar is added back to the saucepan along with the strained berry liquid before bringing it to a second boil.
How much potato starch is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of potato starch.
Can I serve this dessert immediately?
It is recommended to let it cool and then refrigerate for 2 hours to allow it to set properly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, since it uses potato starch rather than animal-based gelatin, it is vegetarian-friendly.
What tools do I need for the straining process?
You will need a fine-mesh sieve and a large bowl.
Can I use cornstarch if I don't have potato starch?
While potato starch is traditional for the clearest texture, cornstarch can be used as a substitute, though the final appearance may be more opaque.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The specific number of servings is not provided in the recipe data, but it uses 5 cups of water as a base.
Is Kissel served as a drink or a solid?
Kissel can vary in thickness; this particular version is described as a gelatinous custard meant to be spooned into bowls.