IRISH MOSS JAMAICAN STYLE

This jelly is of vegetable substances, made from seaweed, Graciliaria vellucosa,  which is popularly known in Jamaica
as Irish moss. It is reputed to have aphrodisiac properties, but this is possibly in the mind rather than in the content.

1/2 lb (250g) fresh or 2oz (50g) dried Irish moss 
1 tablespoon Jamaica white rum      
1 cup (8 fl oz, 250ml) milk 10 cups (4 pints, 2.5 litres) water    
1/2 teaspoon  grated nutmeg Sugar 
 Strawberry  syrup

 If dried Irish  moss is to be used, soak it for a few hours in water. 
Otherwise, clean the  fresh moss of all other bits of seaweed and wash thoroughly to remove any sand and grit.
Simmer the moss in the water until tender, then top up the water to the original level and bring to the boil. 
Strain the liquid through a muslin cloth or fine sieve. 
Add sugar to taste, and then add milk, nutmeg, and enough strawberry syrup to make it pink in colour. 
Transfer the liquid to a glass bowl and refrigerate until it has set. 
This jelly has a very delicate and subtle flavour.

Irish moss is also made into a more liquid form and used as a drink.
  
Submitted by Carmen Sinclair

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