Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp matcha powder
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Special equipment needed:
- Candy thermometer
- Pastry brush
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Do not stir the mixture.
3. Once the mixture reaches 260°F on a candy thermometer, remove from heat and stir in matcha powder.
4. Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it cool for 5 minutes.
5. Using a pastry brush, brush the surface of the candy with water to prevent it from sticking to your hands.
6. Using your hands, stretch the candy into thin strands. Fold the strands in half and stretch again. Repeat this process until the candy becomes silky and shiny.
7. Cut the candy into bite-sized pieces and dust with a mixture of cornstarch and powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
260°F
Serving size:
Makes about 20 pieces
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 100
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of corn syrup.
- Green tea powder can be used instead of matcha powder.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the candy mixture before stretching.
- Use different flavors of tea powder, such as jasmine or earl grey.
Tips and tricks:
- Work quickly when stretching the candy, as it hardens as it cools.
- Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the candy into pieces.
- Store the candy in an airtight container to prevent it from becoming sticky.
Storage instructions:
Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
The candy does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the candy on a platter and sprinkle with additional matcha powder.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle the candy with chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Pairings:
Serve the candy with green tea or other hot beverages.
Suggested side dishes:
The candy can be served as a dessert on its own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the candy becomes too hard to stretch, reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds.
- If the candy becomes too sticky, dust it with more cornstarch and powdered sugar.
Food safety advice:
- Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup.
- Do not touch the candy with your bare hands until it has cooled slightly.
Food history:
Dragon's beard candy is a traditional Chinese sweet that dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). It is made by stretching a mixture of sugar and maltose into thin strands.
Flavor profiles:
The matcha powder adds a slightly bitter and earthy flavor to the sweet candy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the candy as a sweet treat after a meal or as a snack. It is also a popular gift during Chinese New Year celebrations.
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Region: Chinese