High-Protein Gelatin Berry Bites

• •2 cup mixed berries, fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen
• •4 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder
• •0.5 cup cold water
• •1 cup boiling water
• •3 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, or sweetener of choice
• •1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• •4 tablespoon unflavored collagen peptides or protein powder
• • for greasing neutral oil or cooking spray

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the berries: If using fresh berries, wash them thoroughly. If using frozen berries, ensure they are thawed. Place the berries into a blender or food processor.

2. 2

   Puree the berries: Blend the berries until smooth. If you prefer a seedless texture, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl, pressing down on the solids to extract all the liquid. Discard the seeds/pulp.

3. 3

   Bloom the gelatin: In a separate small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder evenly over the cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the gelatin has absorbed the water and become thick and 'bloomed'.

4. 4

   Dissolve the gelatin: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Pour the boiling water over the bloomed gelatin, stirring constantly until the gelatin is completely dissolved and no granules remain. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

5. 5

   Combine ingredients: Add the dissolved gelatin mixture to the berry puree. Stir in the maple syrup (or other sweetener), fresh lemon juice, and the unflavored collagen peptides or protein powder (if using). Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the protein powder is fully dissolved.

6. 6

   Pour into molds: Lightly grease an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking dish, a silicone mold with small shapes, or a loaf pan with a neutral oil or cooking spray. Pour the berry mixture into the prepared dish or molds.

7. 7

   Chill and set: Transfer the dish or molds to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2-4 hours, or until the gelatin is completely set and firm to the touch.

8. 8

   Cut and serve: Once set, if using a baking dish or loaf pan, carefully cut the gelatin into desired bite-sized squares or shapes. If using silicone molds, simply pop them out. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Chef's Tips

• 💡For a smoother texture, strain the berry puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
• 💡Adjust the sweetness to your liking based on the natural sweetness of your berries and your preference.
• 💡Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved in the hot water before mixing it with the berry puree to avoid grainy bites.
• 💡If using silicone molds, they don't typically need greasing, but a light spray can help with easy removal.
• 💡These bites are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.