Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/4 cup licorice root powder
- 1/4 tsp anise extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black food coloring
Special equipment needed:
- Candy thermometer
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Wax paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the powdered sugar, corn syrup, and vegetable shortening. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and melted.
2. Add the licorice root powder, anise extract, salt, and black food coloring to the saucepan. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
3. Attach the candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan and continue to heat the mixture until it reaches 250°F (121°C).
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
5. Beat the mixture on medium speed for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes thick and glossy.
6. Turn the mixture out onto a sheet of wax paper and roll it out to 1/4 inch thickness with a rolling pin.
7. Use cookie cutters to cut the licorice gum into desired shapes.
8. Allow the gum to cool and harden for at least 2 hours before chewing.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
250°F (121°C)
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 pieces of gum
Nutritional information:
Calories: 70
Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 35mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Honey or maple syrup can be substituted for corn syrup.
- Coconut oil can be substituted for vegetable shortening.
- Fennel seed powder can be substituted for licorice root powder.
- Vanilla extract can be substituted for anise extract.
Variations:
- Add different food coloring for a variety of colors.
- Use different cookie cutters for different shapes.
- Add other flavors, such as peppermint or cinnamon.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to stir the mixture constantly while heating to prevent burning.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature readings.
- Allow the gum to cool completely before chewing to prevent sticking to teeth.
Storage instructions:
Store the licorice gum in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
Not applicable.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the licorice gum in a bowl or on a platter with other candies.
Garnishes:
Not applicable.
Pairings:
Licorice gum pairs well with other licorice-flavored candies.
Suggested side dishes:
Not applicable.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too sticky, add more powdered sugar.
- If the mixture is too dry, add more corn syrup.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when working with hot sugar mixtures.
- Do not allow children to handle hot sugar mixtures.
Food history:
Licorice has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and is believed to have originated in Asia.
Flavor profiles:
Licorice gum has a strong, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the licorice gum as a sweet treat after a meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Sweet, Anise, Minty, Refreshing, Anise-Flavored