The following delicious paleo recipe comes from a proud father and happy husband, creative cook and founder of My Easy Paleo Meals. Gray Hayes says being the only paleo convert in his family has its challenges, especially at mealtimes yet his recipe for paleo lemon and strawberry jelly squares was a hit. I am sure you will enjoy having it during your upcoming July 4th holiday plans and summer activities. Kids love these and they contain incredible health benefits besides fulfilling those dessert needs
Gray Hayes came over to the paleo way as a method of preventing disease and losing/controlling weight. There are certain ailments that run in his family which scared him big time such as obesity, heart problems and various forms of cancer. As a result, he was looking for a way to avoid those afflictions or at least lower his risk. This is where the paleo diet entered in.
I will let Gray take it over from here, so here you go – straight from Gray:
The one question I always get from people who are about to make this recipe is: What exactly are these treats supposed to be? Jellies? Frozen treats? Square bars? The answer is, actually, “all of the above”! Admittedly, my Paleo Lemon and Strawberry Jelly Squares do make for an interestingly different “hybrid” kind of treat.
Before I go further into the actual recipe details, please allow me to share the “hybrid” inspiration behind this recipe.
A superhero-themed 5K was going on, and I knew a few people who were going to run it, dressed up as their favorite hero. We were planning a finish line party at my house. I already had a faint idea going in my mind for making a post-run hydrating snack for them that would help hydrate their bodies and balance sugar levels using natural, paleo ingredients.
I also staunchly wanted to include the superhero theme somewhere in the recipe. In the end, the rationale that I used was that this was a “hybrid” super snack: half frozen, half-elastic, and three-dimensional. I was inspired!
While the superhero-inspired depiction of this simple snack may have been a moment of “thinking overload”, the jelly square recipe is still a hybrid on its own accord. The squares are still part-jello shots, part-bars, and part-frozen treats.
They are like dessert bars because they are best enjoyed when cut into squares. The square shape keeps the bouncy texture consistent, which makes it more fun to eat. They are part-jello shots because the base of the recipe is lemon tea and gelatin; the consistency of the jello shot will be there, and this is awesome for folks with sensitive teeth. They are part-frozen treats because they need to be refrigerated before serving, and they feel very cool to the touch. They are quite versatile and tasty, but also inexpensive, and easy to prepare.
The paleo lemon strawberry jelly squares make for a great after-dinner or after-lunch refreshment that will clean your palate with its lemony, tart flavor, and the cooling, refreshing chill. The treats will also satisfy your sweet tooth thanks to the fresh strawberries mixed with raw honey.
One of the many neat things about this recipe is the incorporation of grass-fed gelatin. The grass–fed gelatin can help detox your liver, boost your metabolism, lower inflammation in the body and reduce joint pain and stiffness. These are only a few of the many benefits of using the gelatin. So if you can sneak it into a paleo dessert recipe; do it because your body will thank you for it. This recipe is a great after workout snack, dessert for the kids, or even a cool after dinner delight for the grown-ups.
The gelatin to be used is grass-fed, which follows the paleo approach. All you need to add is water and your own tweaks to the recipe, if you want to experiment with the flavors. I really hope you enjoy these!
Now that I’ve pulled back the curtain and given you my inspiration for this recipe, let’s get right to it. Here it is below!
Enjoy this delightful treat and do be sure to check out my latest PaleOmazing giveaway and take a chance at winning a fun and delicious Paleo-inspired gift.
PrintPaleo Lemon and Strawberry Jelly Squares
Description
One of the many neat things about this recipe for paleo lemon and strawberry jelly squares is the incorporation of grass-fed gelatin. The grass–fed gelatin can help detox your liver, boost your metabolism, lower inflammation in the body and reduce joint pain and stiffness. These are only a few of the many benefits of using the gelatin. So if you can sneak it into a paleo dessert recipe, do it because your body will thank you for it. This recipe is a great after workout snack, dessert for the kids, or even a cool after dinner delight for the grown-ups.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cut strawberries (frozen will work)
- 2 cups of water
- 2 or 3 organic lemon tea bags
- 4 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin (The Great Lakes brand is a fantastic choice!)
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
Instructions
- Pour water into a saucepan. Turn to medium heat and bring to a boil.
- Place the boiling water into a large bowl and add the lemon tea bags; set aside for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add gelatin to the lemon tea, and then your raw honey, gently stir together and set aside.
- Next place the cut strawberries into a blender and pulse until you have a smooth puree.
- Combine the lemon tea mixture and strawberry puree together and stir.
- Pour the lemon and strawberry mixture into a large bowl (I like to use a casserole dish) then place in the refrigerator to set (approximately 3 to 4 hours).
- Cut the jelly into squares and serve.
- Enjoy!
If you have any questions or suggestions just email me at Tina (at) Paleomazing.com.
I was looking for some fun kid-friendly Paleo recipes for our 4th of July party and I came across your jelly squares. I decided to try them out and I must say they’re absolutely fabulous. My kids haven’t dug into them yet but I know they’re going to love them.
★★★★★
Hi Kathy!
I’m thrilled to hear that you tried out the recipe and that it turned out.
How did the kids end up liking them? Do you have any photos?
Fondly,
Tina
Hi Tina!
Yes, the kids absolutely loved them (the adults did too haha!). Unfortunately I forgot to take photos of them but next time I make them I’ll definitely share 🙂
Wonderful! This is such a fun recipe. I’m glad it was enjoyed by all.
Fondly,
Tina
This recipe sounds amazing; however in the instructions it doesn’t say when to add the raw honey. When is it best to add this ingredient in the recipe?
Hi Candace,
These squares really are amazing and refreshing.
I checked with the recipe creator Gray Hayes and he said that the honey is best added to the lemon tea just after the gelatin is added.
I’ve also updated the recipe to reflect this.
Let me know how the squares turn out for you!
Fondly,
Tina