Ingredients:

• Oranges: 5-6 medium oranges (2 + 1/2 cups of orange juice or 600ml)
• Honey: 2-3 tbsp (adjust based on the sweetness of the oranges)
• Cornstarch: 1/2 cup (65g)

Optional Garnish:

• Desiccated coconut
• Candied cherries
• Fresh mint leaves

---

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Orange Juice

1. Squeeze Fresh Orange Juice: Begin by squeezing 5-6 medium oranges to extract about 600ml (2 and 1/2 cups) of fresh orange juice. Make sure to strain the juice through a fine sieve or strainer to remove any pulp. The goal is to get a smooth liquid to work with for the jelly texture.

   Tip: If you prefer a slightly pulpier dessert, you can skip this step or leave in a bit of pulp for added texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Mold

2. Grease the Mold: Choose a rectangular or square mold (approximately 25cm × 15cm in size) and grease it lightly with oil. This will help the orange jelly release easily once it has set.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

3. Combine Juice, Honey, and Cornstarch: In a medium-sized saucepan, pour the strained orange juice. Add 2-3 tablespoons of honey (depending on the sweetness of your oranges) and stir well. Then, whisk in the 1/2 cup (65g) of cornstarch, making sure there are no lumps in the mixture. The cornstarch is what gives the dessert its smooth, jelly-like consistency.

   Tip: Start with 2 tablespoons of honey and adjust as needed after tasting the mixture for your preferred sweetness level.

Step 4: Cook the Mixture

4. Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and begin to cook the orange mixture, stirring constantly. You’ll notice the mixture will begin to thicken after 5-7 minutes. Make sure to keep stirring throughout the process to prevent any lumps from forming and to ensure even cooking.

   Tip: Once the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency, remove it from the heat to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

5. Cool the Mixture: Allow the cooked orange jelly mixture to cool for about 10 minutes. Pour the mixture into the greased mold and spread it evenly.
6. Refrigerate: Cover the mold with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, or until the jelly has fully set.

Step 6: Serve

7. Release from the Mold: After 2-3 hours, gently pull the edges of the jelly away from the mold to loosen it. You can use a knife or spatula to help release the jelly from the sides if needed. Once it’s free, invert the mold onto a cutting board or serving plate.
8. Cut into Shapes: Use a knife to cut the jelly into squares, diamonds, or any shape you prefer. The smooth texture should hold its shape well.

Optional Garnish:

9. Decorate the Jelly: For an extra touch, sprinkle some desiccated coconut over the top of the jelly. You can also garnish it with candied cherries and fresh mint leaves for a colorful and elegant presentation.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Your quick and guilt-free orange jelly dessert is now ready to serve! Enjoy it chilled as a light and refreshing treat.

---

Cooking Tips:

• Sweetness Level: The amount of honey can be adjusted based on the sweetness of the oranges and your personal preference. If you find the oranges are particularly sweet, you can reduce the honey, or if they are too tart, add a little more.
• Consistency: Stirring the mixture constantly while cooking is key to achieving a smooth, jelly-like consistency. Avoid letting the mixture sit still, as this can lead to lumps.
• Cornstarch Substitute: If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a substitute. These will give the jelly a similar texture.

---

Storage:

• Refrigeration: This orange jelly dessert is best served cold. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from the fridge.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dessert as the texture may change when thawed.

---

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving Approx.):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 3mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 21g
• Vitamin C: 70% of Daily Value

---

FAQs:

1. Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?
   • Yes, you can use store-bought orange juice, but make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugar or preservatives. Freshly squeezed juice will provide the best flavor.
2. What can I substitute for honey?
   • If you prefer not to use honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute of your choice.
3. Can I add other fruits to this jelly?
   • Absolutely! You can add fruit segments like berries, kiwi, or pineapple for added texture and flavor. Just fold them into the mixture before it sets in the fridge.
4. Can I make this dessert vegan?
   • Yes, the recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients such as fruit juice and cornstarch. Just ensure that the honey is replaced with a vegan alternative like maple syrup or agave.

---

Conclusion:

This orange jelly dessert is not only a delightful and refreshing treat but also incredibly easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients. The natural sweetness of the oranges paired with the light, smooth texture makes it a perfect guilt-free dessert option for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it to family, guests, or simply treating yourself, this citrusy delight will surely impress. Its vibrant color and optional garnishes make it visually appealing, while the simplicity of its preparation ensures it’s a dessert anyone can enjoy making. So next time you’re craving something light and sweet, give this orange jelly dessert a try!