Peach Agar-Agar

When the hot or dry days are here, the Swallow looks for ways and means to cool down the temperature; whether it is by using the fan or air-conditioner, bathing more frequently (like her young ones do...), or just bringing out her arsenal of recipes that assists in bringing down the internal body heat.

A popular choice of food that helps to cool down the body is the Agar-agar, the Malay word for jelly.  In particular, the Swallow's family loves the Peach Agar-Agar.  They can polish the whole tray in a single seating if given the chance!

PEACH AGAR-AGAR (Serves 4 - 6)

Ingredients

• 1 pkt (12g) agar-agar powder (white)
• water
• 100g sugar
• 1 can (825g) peach halves in syrup
• a few drops of food colouring, if desired

Method

1. Drain the syrup from the peaches.
2. Mix the syrup with enough water to make a total of 1 litre of liquid.
3. Cut up the peach halves into small cubes, and lay them in a square cake tray. Then place this tray into the refrigerator.
4. Dissolve the packet of agar-agar powder in the syrup mixture.
5. Add the sugar, stir and bring to a boil over low heat.
6. Turn off the heat; and add the food colouring, if desired.
7. Remove the cake tray from the refrigerator; pour the mixture over the cut peach halves, stirring all the time.
8. Allow the mixture to cool for about 15 minutes, stirring it occasionally.
9. Place the cake tray back into the refrigerator for the agar-agar to set.
10. Serve cold.