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 peach extract
- Food coloring (pink and green)
- Edible gold leaf (optional)
Special Equipment Needed:
- Candy thermometer
- Amezaiku tools (scissors, tweezers, and shaping tools)
- Silicone mat or parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and insert a candy thermometer. Cook the mixture until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and add peach extract and pink food coloring. Stir until well combined.
4. Pour the hot mixture onto a silicone mat or parchment paper. Let it cool for a few seconds until it's safe to handle.
5. Using amezaiku tools, shape the candy into peach blossom petals. Make sure to work quickly before the candy hardens.
6. Once you have shaped all the petals, use tweezers to attach them together to form a flower.
7. Add green food coloring to the remaining candy mixture and shape it into leaves using amezaiku tools.
8. Attach the leaves to the flower using tweezers.
9. If desired, add edible gold leaf to the petals and leaves for extra decoration.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
300°F (hard crack stage)
Serving size:
Makes 1 large peach blossom amezaiku
Nutritional information:
Calories: 150
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 5mg
Sugar: 39g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Peach extract can be substituted with any other fruit extract.
- Pink and green food coloring can be substituted with any other color.
Variations:
- Instead of peach blossom, you can make other flower amezaiku such as cherry blossom or rose.
- You can add different flavors to the candy mixture such as vanilla or mint.
Tips and Tricks:
- Work quickly when shaping the candy as it hardens fast.
- Use amezaiku tools to create intricate details on the petals and leaves.
- If the candy mixture hardens before you finish shaping, reheat it over low heat until it's soft again.
Storage Instructions:
Store the peach blossom amezaiku in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
If the amezaiku becomes sticky or loses its shape, you can reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds until it's soft again.
Presentation Ideas:
Display the peach blossom amezaiku on a plate or in a clear box to showcase its intricate details.
Garnishes:
Add edible gold leaf to the petals and leaves for extra decoration.
Pairings:
Serve the peach blossom amezaiku as a dessert or snack with tea or coffee.
Suggested Side Dishes:
This recipe does not require any side dishes.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the candy mixture turns brown, it has been overcooked and will have a burnt taste.
- If the candy mixture is too soft, it has not been cooked long enough and will not harden properly.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be careful when working with hot sugar as it can cause severe burns.
- Do not touch the candy mixture with bare hands until it has cooled down.
Food History:
Amezaiku is a traditional Japanese candy art that dates back to the 8th century. It involves shaping hot candy syrup into intricate designs using special tools.
Flavor Profiles:
The peach blossom amezaiku has a sweet and fruity flavor with hints of peach.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the peach blossom amezaiku as a unique and impressive dessert or gift for special occasions.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Japanese
Taste: Sweet, Tangy, Fruity, Refreshing