This is not actually a retro Jell-o mold but a remake of a classic from The Passionate Vegetarian by Crescent Dragonwagon. I LOVE this cookbook. You simply must buy this cookbook whether you are a vegetarian or not. Lots of yummy recipes. Lots of great stories. This is a go-to cookbook for me and has been for a number of years.
Carrot Orange Crown Salad
2 lemons
4 oranges
About 3 cups carrot juice
1 tablespoon agar powder (not flakes or bars)
3 tablespoons honey or sugar
3 carrots, grated
Orange twists, carrot curls, fresh mint (optional)
Lightly spray a mold with cooking spray, set aside. Grate the rind of 1 lemon and 1/2 of 1 orange. Set aside. Juice both lemons, as well as the orange whose rind you just grated. Pour the juices into a 1-qt measuring cup, and add sufficient carrot juice to = 3 cups + 2 tablespoons liquid. Whisk in agar powder and let stand 5 minutes.
Peel section and dice the three remaining oranges in pieces small enough to hit with a fork but large enough to be distinct. Set aside.
Combine the agar juice mixture with honey or sugar in medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and boil for a few seconds. Remove from heat and let cool until the mixture starts to thicken, 15-20 min. Then stir in reserved rinds, orange sections, and grated carrots. Immediately turn into prepared mold. Refrigerate, covered, until set, 1 to 2 hours. Serve garnished if desired with an orange twist, curl of carrot and a sprig of fresh mint.
