Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Candy thermometer
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and cream of tartar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Place the saucepan on medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Do not stir the mixture while it's boiling.
3. Once the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer, remove it from the heat.
4. Quickly stir in the peppermint extract and green food coloring (if using).
5. Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
6. Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, break it into small pieces and place them in a stand mixer or a bowl if using a hand mixer.
7. Beat the mixture on high speed until it turns into a fine powder.
8. Store the mint sugar paste in an airtight container at room temperature.
Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
300°F
Serving size:
Makes about 1 cup of mint sugar paste
Nutritional information:
Calories: 49 per tablespoon
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Peppermint extract can be substituted with any other extract of your choice.
- Green food coloring can be omitted or substituted with natural food coloring.
Variations:
- Add different extracts and food coloring to create different flavors and colors of sugar paste.
- Use different molds to shape the sugar paste into different shapes.
Tips and tricks:
- Be careful when working with hot sugar mixture as it can cause burns.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the sugar mixture reaches the correct temperature.
- Store the mint sugar paste in an airtight container to prevent it from getting sticky.
Storage instructions:
Store the mint sugar paste in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 months.
Reheating instructions:
Not applicable.
Presentation ideas:
- Use the mint sugar paste to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.
- Sprinkle the mint sugar paste on top of hot chocolate or coffee.
Garnishes:
- Crushed candy canes
- Mint leaves
Pairings:
- Chocolate desserts
- Fruit desserts
Suggested side dishes:
Not applicable.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sugar mixture doesn't reach the correct temperature, the sugar paste will be too soft and sticky.
- If the sugar mixture turns brown, it has been overcooked and will have a burnt taste.
Food safety advice:
- Be careful when working with hot sugar mixture as it can cause burns.
- Store the mint sugar paste in an airtight container to prevent it from getting contaminated.
Food history:
Sugar paste has been used in cake decorating for centuries. It was originally made with gum arabic, but now it's commonly made with sugar and water.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet and minty
Serving suggestions:
Use the mint sugar paste to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Taste: Sweet, Minty, Refreshing, Tangy