Desserts > Sweet Treats > Pastry

Lemon Sugar Paste Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt

Special equipment needed:
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Stir until the sugar is moistened.

2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture until it reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

3. Once the mixture reaches 240°F, remove it from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.

4. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer. Beat the mixture on high speed until it becomes thick and glossy, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small mounds of the lemon sugar paste onto the prepared baking sheet.

6. Let the lemon sugar paste cool and harden at room temperature for at least 1 hour.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Temperature:
Cooking temperature: Medium heat
Cooking temperature: 240°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 20-25 pieces of lemon sugar paste.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 60
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 25mg
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 0g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a lime sugar paste.
- If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can test the mixture by dropping a small amount into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it's ready.

Variations:
- Add a drop of food coloring to the mixture to create different colors of sugar paste.
- Add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or peppermint, for a different flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Be careful when cooking the mixture, as it can get very hot.
- Use a stand mixer if possible, as it will make the beating process easier.
- Store the lemon sugar paste in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Storage instructions:
Store the lemon sugar paste in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating instructions:
There is no need to reheat the lemon sugar paste.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the lemon sugar paste on a platter with other desserts.
- Use it to decorate cakes or cupcakes.
- Package it in small jars or bags as a gift.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle some extra lemon zest on top of the sugar paste for a pop of color.

Pairings:
- Serve the lemon sugar paste with tea or coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
- This recipe is a dessert and does not require any side dishes.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture doesn't reach 240°F, the sugar paste will not harden properly.
- If the mixture becomes too thick or grainy, it may have been overcooked.

Food safety advice:
- Be careful when cooking the mixture, as it can get very hot.
- Store the lemon sugar paste in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Food history:
- Sugar paste has been used in baking and confectionery for centuries.

Flavor profiles:
- This lemon sugar paste is sweet and tangy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lemon sugar paste as a dessert or use it to decorate cakes or cupcakes.

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Taste: Sweet, Tart, Lemony, Sugary, Creamy