Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup orange blossom water
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Orange food coloring (optional)
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Special Equipment Needed:
- Candy thermometer
- 8x8 inch square baking dish
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cornstarch and powdered sugar. Set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, orange juice, orange blossom water, lemon juice, and salt. Stir to combine.
4. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in a few drops of orange food coloring, if desired.
6. Slowly pour the hot sugar mixture into the cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly until smooth.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
9. Once firm, remove the lokum from the baking dish and cut into small squares.
10. Dust the squares with confectioners' sugar and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Temperature:
Cooking temperature: Medium-high heat
Chilling temperature: Refrigerator temperature
Serving size:
Makes approximately 36 small squares
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 80
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 20mg
Sugar: 16g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cornstarch can be substituted with potato starch or tapioca starch.
- Orange juice can be substituted with any other citrus juice, such as lemon or lime.
- Orange blossom water can be substituted with rose water or vanilla extract.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture before pouring it into the baking dish.
- Use different food coloring to create a variety of colors.
- Roll the squares in coconut flakes or chopped nuts before serving.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar mixture reaches the correct temperature.
- Whisk the cornstarch mixture constantly while pouring in the hot sugar mixture to prevent lumps.
- Dust the squares with confectioners' sugar just before serving to prevent them from sticking together.
Storage Instructions:
Store the lokum in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
The lokum can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it.
Presentation Ideas:
Arrange the squares on a platter and garnish with fresh orange slices or edible flowers.
Garnishes:
Fresh orange slices, edible flowers, coconut flakes, chopped nuts
Pairings:
Serve the lokum with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested Side Dishes:
None
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the lokum is too sticky, dust it with more cornstarch before cutting into squares.
- If the lokum is too hard, try adding a little more water to the sugar mixture before cooking it.
Food Safety Advice:
- Use a clean candy thermometer to prevent cross-contamination.
- Store the lokum in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in.
Food History:
Lokum, also known as Turkish delight, is a sweet treat that originated in Turkey in the late 1700s. It is made from sugar, cornstarch, and flavorings, and is often served with tea or coffee.
Flavor Profiles:
The Orange Blossom Lokum has a sweet and floral flavor, with a hint of citrus.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Orange Blossom Lokum as a dessert or a sweet snack.
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Region: Turkish