Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon rosewater
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, finely grated
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
- ¼ cup cornstarch, plus extra for dusting
- ¼ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- ¼ cup candied orange peel, finely chopped
- Red food coloring (natural beet or synthetic), to taste
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang. Dust generously with cornstarch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water. Cook, stirring constantly, for 8–10 minutes until mixture becomes very thick and pulls away from the pan.
- Remove from heat. Stir in rosewater, lemon zest, cardamom (if using), red food coloring, and candied orange peel.
- Pour into prepared pan. Let cool at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Turn out onto a floured surface. Cut into 1-inch squares. Toss each cube in powdered sugar to coat.
- Store in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- For a natural red color, use beet juice powder or reducing amounts of synthetic dye
- Work quickly when cutting—the mixture sets fast
- For an extra magical touch, dust with edible glitter in silver or gold
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Stovetop & Set
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 62 Kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
