Agar agar is a non animal alternative to gelatin.  It is a combination of different sea vegetables and is used to stabilize/firm pies, puddings, jellies, etc.  Just like gelatin, it needs to be dissolved in hot liquid, but firms up and thickens at room temperature.  I bought a package at the Chinese supermarket and noticed that it was at least 50% cheaper than it was at Whole foods! 🙂

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