Lokum Recipe: A Turkish Delight

Ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup water

1 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon rosewater (or any preferred flavor extract)

Food coloring (optional)

Confectioners' sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Starch Mixture:

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cornstarch and 1/2 cup of water, whisking until smooth and free of lumps.

Set aside the mixture to rest and thicken while you work on the sugar syrup.

2. Making the Sugar Syrup:

In a saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of water, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.

Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.

Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Continue simmering for about 10-15 minutes, until the syrup reaches the soft-ball stage (about 240°F or 115°C).

3. Combining Syrup and Starch:

Gradually pour the hot sugar syrup into the thickened starch mixture while stirring continuously. Mix until well combined.

4. Flavoring and Coloring:

Stir in the rosewater (or any other desired flavor extract) and add a few drops of food coloring if you wish, to create a colorful variety of lokum.

5. Pouring and Setting:

Line a square baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Pour the lokum mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula and you can also add dry fruits of your own choice.

6. Allowing to Set:

Allow the lokum mixture to cool and set at room temperature for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight.

7. Cutting and Dusting:

Once the lokum is set, dust a clean surface with confectioners' sugar.

Carefully invert the lokum onto the sugar-dusted surface and remove the parchment paper.

Dust the top of the lokum with more confectioners' sugar to prevent sticking.

Use a sharp knife or cookie cutters to cut the lokum into bite-sized pieces or desired shapes.

8. Final Touch:

Toss the cut lokum pieces in additional confectioners' sugar to coat all sides, giving them a delightful powdered finish.

9. Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor:

Your homemade lokum is now ready to be savored! Arrange the pieces on a platter, share them with loved ones, and indulge in the enchanting flavors and textures of this classic treat.